Nepal Flood Crisis: South Korea Steps Up Rescue Efforts for Missing Nationals
Kathmandu, Nepal — September 1, 2026: Nepal is facing a major humanitarian emergency after devastating floods and landslides struck several parts of the country, leaving hundreds of people dead or missing and causing widespread damage to roads, bridges and hydropower facilities. Rescue teams are working to reach affected communities and workers trapped in remote areas, while international support is being mobilised.
The disaster has drawn particular attention in South Korea after nine South Korean nationals went missing at a hydropower project in Nepal’s Rasuwa district. The workers were reportedly connected with Korean companies involved in the hydropower project and lost contact after severe flooding and landslides hit the area.
South Korea has responded by sending an 11-member government rapid-response team to Nepal. The team includes officials from the foreign ministry, police and emergency services and is working with Nepalese authorities to locate the missing nationals. South Korean officials have also been coordinating with local authorities and rescue teams to gain access to areas affected by the disaster.
Difficult Search Conditions
The rescue operation has been complicated by damaged roads, blocked routes, unstable terrain and continuing weather challenges. Several areas remain difficult to access, forcing rescue teams to rely on helicopters, drones and specialised equipment.
South Korean officials have been conducting searches in areas around the affected hydropower facilities. A helicopter secured for the operation has also been used to survey the disaster zone and help identify possible locations where the missing workers could be located.
The difficult geography of Nepal’s mountainous regions has made the search particularly challenging. Landslides have blocked roads and access routes, while floodwaters and debris have damaged important infrastructure.
Hydropower Projects Hit by Floods
Nepal’s hydropower sector has been significantly affected by the disaster. Several hydropower projects in the Rasuwa region have reported damage and missing workers.
One of the major projects affected is the Upper Trishuli-1 hydropower project, a 216-megawatt facility backed by South Korean investors and the International Finance Corporation. Hundreds of workers at hydropower sites have reportedly been rescued, while rescue teams continue searching for people who remain missing or trapped.
The impact on hydropower infrastructure could have wider consequences for Nepal because the country relies heavily on hydropower for electricity generation. Damage to power plants, tunnels, roads and transmission infrastructure could make recovery more difficult and increase pressure on the country’s energy system.
South Korea Expands Humanitarian Response
South Korea’s response is not limited to searching for its missing nationals. Seoul is also preparing additional disaster-relief assistance for Nepal as the country deals with the wider humanitarian crisis.
South Korean government officials have been in contact with Nepalese authorities and are coordinating the rescue operation. The deployment demonstrates the importance of rapid international cooperation when citizens are affected by major disasters overseas.
It is important to clarify that reports describing the deployment as “South Korean commandos” are inaccurate. The confirmed deployment involves a government rapid-response team made up of officials from relevant government and emergency agencies, rather than a military commando unit.
International Support
Nepal’s rescue efforts are also receiving support from other countries. India, China and other international partners have provided assistance, equipment and rescue personnel to help authorities respond to the disaster.
The international response is particularly important because many affected areas are remote and difficult to reach. Helicopters, drones and specialised rescue equipment are being used to locate missing people and deliver assistance.
The disaster has also highlighted concerns about the vulnerability of infrastructure in mountainous regions. Experts and authorities are expected to focus on stronger disaster preparedness, early-warning systems and improved safety measures for workers involved in major infrastructure projects.
Rescue Efforts Continue
The immediate priority remains locating survivors and accounting for those still missing. Rescue teams are continuing to search damaged areas, hydropower facilities and tunnels while working closely with local authorities.
For South Korea, the situation highlights the importance of protecting Korean workers involved in overseas infrastructure projects and maintaining strong emergency-response systems.
For Nepal, the larger challenge will be rebuilding damaged infrastructure and supporting communities affected by the floods and landslides.
As rescue operations continue, the search for the nine missing South Korean nationals remains a key focus. At the same time, Nepal and its international partners are working to rescue those affected, restore critical infrastructure and begin the long process of recovery.
