President Lee Orders Full Mobilization of Resources and Deployment of Search and Rescue for Nepal Flood Disaster

Lee Cancels Senior Aides' Meeting to Review Response Measures
Nine Korean Nationals Missing, Ten Stranded in Shelter
President Orders Full Mobilization of Foreign Ministry, Embassy, and Local Companies

On the 27th, President Lee Jae-myung addressed the recent major flood incident in Nepal, stating, "I ask that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with relevant ministries, our local embassy, the rapid response team currently en route, and Korean companies operating in the area, mobilize all available personnel and resources."

President Lee issued this directive at the 'Emergency Meeting on Response to Korean Nationals Affected by the Nepal Flood,' held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on this day. Upon learning of the disaster in Nepal, President Lee canceled the scheduled meeting with his senior aides in order to focus on response measures.

President Lee Jae-myung speaks at an emergency meeting on flood damage response in Nepal held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Seoul on August 27, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

President Lee stressed, "The safety and lives of our citizens are in a very grave situation. Nine Korean nationals working at the local hydropower plant construction site in Nepal are currently unaccounted for and appear to be in a highly dangerous situation, while ten others are stranded in a temporary shelter."

He further emphasized, "Cooperation with the Nepalese government is particularly critical at this time," and added, "I request that you activate all diplomatic channels to ensure that the resources needed for search and rescue operations are provided in close consultation. It would also be advisable to proactively review any personnel or support measures we can provide to the Nepalese side."

President Lee also requested a thorough effort to "carefully verify whether there are any additional Korean nationals affected beyond those currently out of contact," and to "thoroughly check on the safety of our citizens staying in nearby areas and quickly implement guidance and protection measures to prevent any further harm." Regarding difficulties accessing the site due to damaged roads and bridges, he said, "We will monitor the situation closely."

He remarked, "The situation must be particularly distressing not only for those affected and taking refuge on site, but also for their families. Please be attentive to their needs, considering both their circumstances and emotions." President Lee also expressed his condolences to the people and government of Nepal, saying, "I offer my deepest sympathies," and urged that "no efforts be spared in providing humanitarian assistance."

On the 26th (local time), nine Korean nationals went missing following flooding in the Rasuwagadhi border area of Rasuwa District, Bagmati Province, Nepal. The missing individuals are employees of Korea South-East Power and Doosan Enerbility, who were working at a local hydropower plant construction site.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.