Nepal plans to resume search for nine missing South Koreans
A South Korean disaster response team plans to resume in Nepal the search for nine South Korean citizens who went missing after floods in the Rasuwa district. Two Nepalese military helicopters, thermal-imaging drones and ground teams are to be deployed for the operation if weather conditions permit, Korea Herald reports.
Fog disrupted aerial search
An attempt to conduct an aerial search on September 3 was complicated by dense fog and worsening weather. One of the two helicopters was forced to return early after takeoff, while the other was unable to get airborne. At one point, visibility was less than one meter, so the helicopter could not reach areas where the missing workers might have sought shelter.
The search is focused on possible evacuation routes, including mountainous terrain behind the main camp of the Upper Trishuli-1 hydropower project and near a bridge that locals call the “Yellow Bridge.” South Korean and Nepalese teams have already surveyed the area behind the camp, while the territory near the bridge has been checked less thoroughly. Helicopter landings in this area are complicated by muddy ground.
Missing workers and operation
The nine people — six Doosan Enerbility employees and three Korea South-East Power workers — went missing on August 26 while working at Upper Trishuli-1 after devastating floods. A South Korean government rapid response team is also taking part in the search operation. Doosan Enerbility and Korea South-East Power have deployed personnel and equipment, including helicopters and drones.
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The operation is complicated by steep mountains, dense vegetation, erosion along the river and recurring rainfall, which have weakened the ground and limited the ability to conduct searches on foot. Two South Korean rescuers in Dhunche are also continuing ground searches.
According to Nepalese authorities, on September 4 rescuers with army involvement found two Nepalese workers alive in a tunnel at the Trishuli 3A hydropower plant — nine days after the floods. They were taken to hospital. Rescuers said they had heard voices from the tunnel before finding the people; Nepalese authorities believe that other people may also remain there, so the search continues.
South Korea also plans to provide additional emergency supplies for people displaced by the floods: 38,320 thermal blankets worth 130 million won, or about $96,000. Seoul had previously announced $1 million in humanitarian aid for Nepal.
