Korean rescue teams struggling to reach Nepal flood site as 9 still missing

South Korean government and corporate rescue teams are facing difficulties reaching a hydropower plant construction site in Nepal, where nine South Korean workers are still missing due to concerns over potential further flooding. The South Korean Joint Rapid Response Team arrived in the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu, on Thursday, while search and rescue teams from Doosan Enerbility Co. and Korea South-East Power Co. reached the site early Friday.

Both the government and the companies secured a combined total of six helicopters for their operations; however, the aircraft have not yet received the necessary flight approval from Nepalese authorities, according to ministry officials.

Helicopter travel is crucial to accessing the remote area, as roads and bridges have been severely damaged by the massive flash flood and mudslide that struck the construction site in Rasuwa district on Wednesday. However, Nepalese authorities have imposed restrictions on private helicopter operations, citing the possibility of additional flooding, stated a ministry official.

The nine missing individuals – six employees from Doosan and three from the power generation firm – were working at the site when the disaster occurred.