South Korea searches for nine missing in
South Korean rescuers have started a ground search for nine citizens missing in Nepal's floods after bad weather halted helicopter operations.
A South Korean government joint rapid response team began a ground search on Monday, August 31, 2026, for nine missing nationals following massive floods in Nepal. The team is moving toward Ramche, a location one to two kilometers from the site where the South Koreans disappeared, according to Seoul's foreign ministry.
This action followed an inability to secure clearance for helicopter operations. Bad weather and a Nepalese government decision to bar foreign helicopters from operating forced the change in plans. A ministry official stated that after considering the on-site situation, they determined a ground search was feasible.
Search Operations and Challenges
The response team, which includes officials from the foreign ministry, police, and fire authorities, was dispatched to Nepal last week. The team plans to camp overnight in Ramche, which is believed to be a key route to the Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project. The ministry also said the team intends to conduct a drone search, pending local approval.
Helicopter operations remain a goal, though permission is challenging to obtain. "The situation regarding permission to operate helicopters remains challenging, but we are making all necessary preparations," the official said. The team also plans to conduct an aerial search by helicopter if allowed.
The Missing Workers and Incident Site
The nine missing individuals are employees of two South Korean companies. Six worked for Doosan Enerbility Co. and three for Korea South-East Power Co. They had been working at the construction site for a hydroelectric power plant in the Rasuwa district when massive floods and landslides struck the region last Wednesday.
To gather information, the response team has been interviewing Nepali survivors. This is to determine the movements of the missing South Koreans.
Diplomatic Coordination
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun spoke by phone with his Nepalese counterpart, Shisir Khanal. Cho asked for close cooperation for the swift rescue of the nine missing people. He specifically sought the Nepalese military's help in allowing searches in the area where communication was lost.
Minister Cho thanked the Nepalese government for safely rescuing 10 other South Koreans who were initially trapped. He also said the South Korean government is looking into ways to assist Nepal where help is needed. Khanal thanked Cho for South Korea's consolation and spirit of solidarity. Both sides agreed to maintain close communication regarding rescue and recovery efforts.
The ministers had previously spoken last Thursday. On Sunday, South Korean officials also contacted the chief of the Nepal Police and representatives of the Nepal Army.
Broader Impact of the Floods
The floods in Nepal have caused widespread devastation. According to foreign media reports cited by the source, the disaster has killed more than 800 people and left around 3,000 others missing. The South Korean search continues within this larger crisis.
