[Reportage] Team searching for missing Koreans ready to ‘go on foot’ to find them

On Monday morning, a Korean search-and-rescue team faced challenges as they attempted to locate nine missing Korean nationals presumed to be at the Upper Trishuli 1 hydroelectric plant construction site in Nepal's Rasuwa District. The team, dispatched by the Korean government, initially struggled with a rugged road and high clouds obscuring the mountainous terrain.

Cho Hyeon-mun, leader of the rapid response team, explained that the team would have to navigate difficult terrain if vehicle travel was not possible. Despite the risks and hazards, the team decided on a land search due to its fewer restrictions compared to helicopter use. After a several-minute discussion, the team found a detour through a rocky and muddy path.

The accident site is situated in a deep mountainous area with frequent weather changes and limited communication. Meanwhile, Nepali military helicopters repeatedly searched from the Trishuli River base, where families of the missing gathered, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. As of six days after the disaster, weather conditions and other factors continued to impede search and rescue efforts.

However, the Nepali government eventually allowed Korean helicopters to assist in the search. Two helicopters took off, with one belonging to Doosan Enerbility and the other from the rapid response team. Nine employees from the affected companies were eventually rescued and flown back to Korea, while the site manager remained on-site to aid the ongoing search.