President Lee calls for full mobilization of resources after 9 Koreans go missing in Nepal floods

President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday called for a full mobilization of all available resources in response to the disappearance of nine South Koreans in flooding in northern Nepal, saying "there is no such thing as overreacting when it comes to protecting the lives and safety of our people."

Lee chaired an emergency meeting on citizen welfare at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Seoul that afternoon, directing officials to "mobilize every available person and resource — the Foreign Ministry, relevant agencies, the local embassy, the rapid-response team currently en route, and Korean companies on the ground."

He said cooperation with the Nepalese government was paramount. "Use every diplomatic channel with the Nepalese government to actively coordinate the deployment of resources needed for search and rescue," Lee said, adding that officials should also "review in advance what personnel or other forms of support we can offer the Nepalese side."

Lee also urged officials to check thoroughly whether any other South Koreans beyond those already unaccounted for had been affected, and to promptly inspect the safety of South Korean nationals staying in nearby areas. "Take swift guidance and protective measures to prevent any additional casualties," he said.

He expressed urgency for consular staff and company representatives working on the ground. "I know you are all feeling the pressure — please do everything in your power to ensure the situation does not worsen for those who have taken shelter locally," Lee said. "I will continue to keep a close eye on this."

Lee also conveyed a message of condolence to the Nepalese government and people, and asked officials to review what rapid-response and early-recovery assistance South Korea could provide. "Make sure there is no shortage of humanitarian support," he added.