네팔 홍수 연락두절 9명 육로 수색 본격화…헬기·드론도 대기 중

A search team from the Nepalese government has intensified ground rescue efforts to locate nine South Koreans stranded due to severe flooding in the country. The government's rapid response team will conduct the ground search, comprising nine firefighters, and departed from Kathmandu this morning. They plan to travel 1-2 kilometers to Lachhia region from the accident site.

The team will assess the situation on the ground and make an assessment before beginning full-scale search activities. The team will carry satellite phones to communicate during the search, considering the poor communication at the accident site. The team will also coordinate with the rapid response team in Nandakot village, where they conducted a previous on-site visit.

If Nepal authorities allow, the team will also attempt aerial and drone searches. However, recent weather conditions have made aerial operations challenging, and a helicopter flight permit has not been granted. The team will wait for permission to operate drones, which would allow them to search from 7 am to 3 pm local time. Meanwhile, the team has confirmed that a Nepalese survivor is available for interviews, providing crucial information about the whereabouts of the missing nine South Koreans.

On-site team leader, Jeong Yoo-kwon, will continue to conduct interviews with Nepalese authorities and foreign diplomats throughout the search operation.