[Anchor]

The 8 South Korean nationals who have lost contact and the 10 others stranded at the site have been identified as employees working at a local hydroelectric power plant construction site. The government has decided to dispatch a joint government rapid response team to the scene. Reporter Kim Ayeong is standing by in the newsroom.

Kim, please give us the details.

[Reporter]

Yes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that due to floods that occurred this morning (local time on the 26th) in the Rasuwa district of Nepal, 8 South Korean employees belonging to Korea South-East Power (KOEN) and Doosan Enerbility, who were constructing a hydroelectric power plant in the area, have lost contact.

The Nepali government has currently dispatched rescue teams composed of the army and police to the affected area to conduct search and rescue operations.

Another 10 South Koreans working for Doosan Enerbility are stranded locally and awaiting rescue.

The Nepali government has sent a helicopter to rescue them.

Korea South-East Power is building the hydroelectric power plant in Nepal, while Doosan Enerbility is reportedly in charge of the construction.

Immediately upon learning of the incident, the South Korean Embassy in Nepal notified the Nepali government of the missing 8 South Koreans, requested prompt and active search and rescue efforts, and dispatched a consul to the scene.

The presidential office announced that President Lee Jae-myung received a briefing and issued an urgent directive to make the lives and safety of our citizens the top priority, and to mobilize all available means to exert every possible effort in searching for and rescuing the missing persons.

President Lee urged close cooperation with the Nepali government and local authorities, ensuring thorough support for the families of the missing, securing the safety of South Korean citizens staying in the area, and doing his utmost to prevent additional damage.

The government has established a Countermeasures Headquarters for the Protection of Overseas Citizens, headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and plans to dispatch a joint government rapid response team consisting of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Fire Agency, and the Korean National Police Agency to the site in the shortest possible time.

Doosan Enerbility also announced that it has formed a task force and plans to urgently dispatch it to the site tomorrow morning.

Reuters reported moments ago that 384 travelers, including 291 foreigners, are missing due to the floods in Nepal.

(Video Editing: Jeon Min-gyu)