South Korean Rescue Team Begins On-Foot Search for Missing People as Nepal Mourns on National Day of Mourning

[Financial News] The Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT), deployed to the site of the massive floods in Nepal, will begin on-foot searches focused on mountainous areas where the families of missing South Koreans requested searches.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 8, six KDRT members will travel by helicopter with the Nepalese Army to two locations: the mountainous area to the left of Powerhouse and Yellow Bridge, and the mountainous area to the right of Main Camp. They will then conduct on-foot searches as far as possible. The KDRT also plans to use drones to ensure the safety of its members and improve the effectiveness of the search.
The search follows a change in position by the Nepalese government, which agreed to cooperate with the South Korean rescue team in searching the areas requested by the families of the missing people. Earlier, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun explained the areas where the families hoped searches would be conducted during a meeting on July 6 with Nepalese Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, presenting a map marking the areas where nine South Koreans had gone missing. The Nepalese side accepted the request and agreed to cooperate with the search.
Meanwhile, memorial services for the victims were held in Nepal on July 7, the government-designated national day of mourning. The day marked the 13th day since the massive floods and the final day of the 13-day mourning period in traditional Hindu funerals, when rituals are held to pray for the peaceful rest of the deceased.
From the morning, flags were flown at half-staff at all government buildings and diplomatic missions, including the Board of Audit and Inspection in Kathmandu. At some schools, students and staff gathered on the grounds to mourn the victims. Citizens gathered at Kathmandu Durbar Square, lit candles, and inscribed the words “May the deceased rest in peace” on the square’s pavement.
Some families of missing people held funerals without finding the bodies, in accordance with the Hindu tradition that regards cremation as an important final rite.
The massive floods have killed 1,356 people in Nepal so far. Including 43 deaths on the Chinese side, the total is approaching 1,400. More than 5,500 people remain missing, and the death toll is expected to rise further depending on the results of future searches.
[email protected] Hong Chae-wan Reporter