(LEAD) Gov't team begins ground search for 9 missing Koreans in Nepal floods

Seoul, August 31 - A joint government rapid response team has commenced a ground search for nine South Koreans missing in the recent floods in Nepal, according to Seoul's foreign ministry. The team, comprising officials from the ministry, police, and fire authorities, arrived in Ramche, located approximately 1-2 kilometers from the site where the nine went missing, to commence the search.

This move was made after they were unable to secure helicopter clearance due to unfavorable weather conditions and Nepal's refusal to permit foreign helicopters to operate in the region. The ground search began as an alternative to the aerial search, which was contingent upon obtaining helicopter permission. The team also intends to conduct a drone search in the area, pending authorization from local authorities.

Ramche is believed to be a crucial route to the Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project, which was under construction by South Korean companies Doosan Enerbility Co. and Korea South-East Power Co. when the floods struck. The team, which includes six Doosan employees and three employees from Korea South-East Power, had been working at the construction site in Rasuwa district when the disaster occurred.

Despite the ongoing challenges in obtaining helicopter clearance, the response team is diligently preparing for the rescue mission. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun communicated with his Nepalese counterpart, Shisir Khanal, seeking the Nepalese military's assistance in allowing searches in the region where the missing individuals are presumed to have lost communication.

Cho also expressed gratitude to the Nepalese government for the safe rescue of 10 other South Koreans initially trapped in the floods and indicated that the South Korean government is exploring avenues to assist Nepal in the aftermath of the disaster. Khanal, in turn, thanked Cho for South Korea's display of solidarity and solidarity, and both parties agreed to maintain close communication on rescue and recovery efforts.

The floods have claimed over 800 lives and left approximately 3,000 people missing, as reported by foreign media outlets.