South Korea Braces for Heavy Rain as Search Continues for Missing Nationals in Nepal

Prime Minister Han Seong-sook has ordered government agencies to make thorough preparations for heavy rains forecast across South Korea this week. The Prime Minister specifically called for preemptive measures in damage prone areas such as slopes and retaining walls, and instructed officials to devise swift evacuation plans. These orders follow heavy rainfall on Sunday that battered the southern region, flooding roads and trapping hikers. In the southwestern county of Yeonggwang, 206 millimeters of rain were recorded between Saturday midnight and Sunday night. Firefighters rescued 16 people from swelling valley waters in Yeongam and Hwasun. No casualties have been reported in South Korea. The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts that rain will spread across most of the country on Monday, with the central west coast and the greater Seoul area expected to see significant rainfall. In a separate international effort, the South Korean government is continuing a search for nine missing nationals in Nepal. The individuals, including employees of Doosan Enerbility and Korea South-East Power Co. disappeared following catastrophic flash floods in the Rasuwa district. Search operations have involved helicopters, though flight authorizations remain fluid due to ground conditions.