Key facts
- A 44-member South Korean disaster relief team has arrived in Nepal.
- The team is searching for nine missing South Koreans.
- The missing individuals were working at the Upper Trishuli-1 hydropower plant construction site.
- The flash flood killed over 1,000 people and left thousands missing in Nepal.
- The disaster damaged significant infrastructure, including power projects and bridges.
A 44-member South Korean disaster relief team has arrived in Nepal to assist with flood recovery efforts and search for nine missing South Koreans. The team, equipped with heavy machinery, helicopters, and specialized equipment, will focus on areas like the tunnels of devastated hydroelectric plants where people are believed to be trapped.
The devastating flash flood, suspected to be triggered by a glacier collapse on August 26, has killed at least 1,114 people and left thousands missing in Nepal, with China also reporting casualties. The disaster created an estimated 2.2 million tons of debris, severely impacting Nepal's infrastructure. A tenth of the country's electricity generation capacity has been affected, with eight existing and four under-construction power projects damaged. Nearly 50 suspension bridges were hit, and 31 motorable bridges were washed away. Nepal's finance minister estimates rebuilding costs could range from $4 billion to $5 billion.
Rescuers, including over 9,200 army troops, are utilizing heavy machinery and helicopters to reach those affected. Specialized teams from India, China, and Singapore have also been dispatched to assist with rescue and victim identification. China has rebuilt the road to the Gyirong border crossing in Tibet, facilitating the delivery of equipment and supplies.