Two Koreans Remaining in Nepal Also Evacuated Amid Fears of a Second Flood; Our Rescue Helicopters Are Grounded

[Financial News] The two Korean nationals who had remained in the disaster area hit by Nepal's major floods until the end have now both been evacuated amid fears of a second major flood.
On the 28th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "One Korean national and one embassy staff member who had remained at a temporary shelter in Nepal's Rasuwa District were moved to a safe area by a Nepalese military helicopter on the day."
Until now, one local site manager from Doosan Enerbility had stayed at the scene with local employees in an effort to get out together. One consular officer was also sent in as a replacement and remained there as well. However, they appear to have evacuated as concerns over a second flood grew.
A total of 19 Koreans were either missing or had been stranded at one point in the flood-hit area. Of the 10 Koreans from Doosan Enerbility who were stranded in a relatively safe area away from the accident site, nine were moved to a safe area by a Nepalese military helicopter the previous day, excluding the site manager. The site manager also evacuated on the day together with the consular officer because of fears of a second flood.
The nine people who moved to a safe area the day before are currently staying at their accommodation and are expected to travel to Kathmandu by land later.
However, nine others, including six Doosan Enerbility employees and three workers from Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd., remain out of contact.
The Government Joint Rapid Response Team, which arrived in Nepal, has still not been able to reach the accident site. It has been stranded because the Nepalese military authorities have restricted helicopter access amid fears of a second major flood.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nepalese military has restricted private helicopter operations out of concern over the possibility of a second major flood, and the team has not yet received flight approval.
The government, Doosan Enerbility, and Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd. have jointly chartered six helicopters. Five officials from the National Fire Agency (NFA) and one from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are currently waiting at Kathmandu airport after splitting up across the chartered helicopters. A ministry official said, "We are requesting permission from the Nepalese authorities so the helicopters can operate."


[email protected] Kim Kyung-soo Reporter