▲ President Lee Jae-myung speaks during an emergency meeting on the Nepal flood damage response held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs complex in Seoul on the 27th.
President Lee Jae-myung convened an emergency meeting regarding the disappearance of nine South Korean nationals following floods and landslides in Nepal, instructing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other related ministries to "fully mobilize all available personnel and resources."
Presiding over the "Emergency Meeting to Address Damage Involving Our Citizens from the Nepal Floods" at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs complex today (the 27th), President Lee stated, "With the determination that 'there is no such thing as an overreaction' when it comes to protecting the lives and safety of our citizens, I ask everyone to do their utmost by fully mobilizing all available resources."
At around 9:00 a.m. local time on the 26th, a massive flood occurred in the Himalayan mountainous region near the Chinese border in central-northern Nepal, leaving 100 people dead and about 480 missing, including around 390 foreigners.
Currently, nine South Koreans have lost contact, while another 10 South Koreans remain isolated in a temporary shelter.
Emphasizing cooperation with the Nepalese government, President Lee urged, "I ask that you actively consult with them by activating all diplomatic channels to ensure the resources necessary for search and rescue are deployed," adding, "It would be good to review in advance what personnel or other forms of support our side can provide to the Nepalese government."
He continued, "I ask you to thoroughly check whether there are any additional South Korean citizens who have suffered damage beyond those currently out of contact," and added, "Please meticulously check the safety of our citizens staying in neighboring areas, and promptly implement guidance and protective measures to prevent additional damage."
He also added, "I ask our government side to carefully review what necessary measures can be taken for a swift response to casualties and property damage, as well as support for early recovery."
President Lee further emphasized, "Since there may be additional South Korean citizens (who have suffered damage) beyond those currently confirmed, please look after that matter with great care as well," urging officials dispatched to the site, families, and victims' families to "do your absolute best to prevent the situation from worsening."
President Lee postponed the meeting of senior secretaries and advisors originally scheduled to be chaired within the presidential compound today and instead held the emergency inspection meeting.
A scheduled invitation luncheon with lawmakers from the Democratic Party of Korea slated for tomorrow (the 28th) has also been postponed.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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