(2nd LD) S. Korean response teams continue search for 9 missing in Nepal floods

Korean response teams are still searching for nine workers missing in Nepal after deadly flash floods, using helicopters and drones. The nine, all from Doosan Enerbility Co. and Korea South-East Power Co., were working on a hydroelectric power plant construction site in Nepal's Rasuwa district when the floods hit on Wednesday. Ten other Doosan employees, previously trapped at a different location, have been evacuated to safety.

An official told Yonhap that the company plans to resume helicopter searches on Saturday after receiving official clearance. However, Nepali authorities have restricted foreign access for search and rescue operations due to hazardous weather and the risk of additional flooding. The government-led response team needs authorization to conduct helicopter searches, according to Seoul officials.

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met with the families of the missing individuals in Seoul. Meanwhile, fears of secondary flooding are increasing as barrier lakes overflow due to debris from the initial floods.