Lee to hold emergency meeting to discuss rescue efforts for S. Koreans missing in Nepal flood

President Lee Jae Myung is set to convene an emergency meeting on Thursday to address the plight of South Korean workers affected by devastating floods in Nepal, according to the presidential office. The decision to forego a scheduled meeting with key aides and instead hold the emergency assessment meeting was announced by presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung.

The floods, which struck China and Nepal on Wednesday, have resulted in over 150 fatalities and have left hundreds missing. As of Thursday, nine South Koreans -- employees of South Korean companies operating in Nepal -- remain unaccounted for. The government is preparing to dispatch an emergency response team to assist in the search operation.

On Wednesday, President Lee had ordered the government to do everything possible to locate the missing South Koreans by mobilizing all available resources. In line with these efforts, the Blue House has also postponed Lee's lunch meeting with ruling party lawmakers, which was scheduled for the following Friday.