DNA Profiles for Nepal Flood Victims to Be Created in India

DIGITAL DESK। After the devastating floods in Nepal on August 26, the Government of India has taken an important step to identify the victims. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has shared the process for identifying bodies, and DNA profiles of relatives of missing persons in India will be prepared.

Identification Made Easier with DNA Profiling

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, DNA profiles will be prepared by collecting samples from first-degree biological relatives of missing persons residing in India, such as parents, sons, daughters, and siblings. Services of central and state-level forensic labs will be made available for this purpose. The Central Forensic Science Laboratory, State Forensic Science Laboratories, National Forensic Sciences University labs, and NABL-accredited labs will be used to create DNA profiles.

Copies of the DNA profiles can be sent to the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu and will also be shared with the Nepal Police along with necessary preliminary information. Additionally, the police helpline number +977 9841 6160 95 has been issued.

Flood Devastation and Rescue Operations

The flood that struck Nepal on August 26 caused severe damage to many areas. According to Nepali officials, 1,259 people have died so far, and relief teams have safely evacuated more than 12,000 people. Despite this, about 5,000 people are still missing.

The operation to recover bodies in the flood-affected areas is ongoing. The highest number of bodies have been found in Chitwan district, with 95 identified. The administration and rescue teams are engaged in searching for missing persons as well as identifying bodies and delivering them to relatives.

Nearly 600 children are still missing in the Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts. Data on children is being collected from the administration and schools, but due to disrupted communication systems, it is difficult to obtain exact numbers.

Two Workers Rescued Alive from Tunnel

Nine days after the flood, two workers were rescued alive from the tunnel of the Trishuli-3 ‘A’ Hydropower Project. The rescue team safely brought them out on Friday morning. They have been identified as Sanjay Sah and Kabir Maharjan.

After the flood, 42 employees and workers were trapped inside the tunnel. The Nepal Army and Armed Police Force intensified operations and established contact with those inside the tunnel. The rescue team told the trapped people, "Do not panic, we have come to save you." Voices were heard in response from inside.

Indian and Nepali teams have used special equipment to inspect up to 100 meters inside the tunnel and are planning to bring heavy machinery.

Statements from Government and Experts

Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal clarified that Nepal has not demanded climate compensation from India, China, or the United States. He expressed gratitude for India’s immediate relief and rescue assistance.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, the death toll is rising and the search for missing persons continues. They are resorting to symbolic funerals as the hope of finding all missing persons is low and identifying bodies is becoming increasingly difficult.

Technician Saraswati Bishta reported that continuous rainfall is occurring in the upper areas of the Bhote Koshi River, which may affect relief work.

Ambassador Naveen Srivastava said, "This assistance is part of India’s ongoing support for Nepal’s relief efforts following the Rasuwa flash flood."

According to Nepal Police advice, identification can be done through Autosomal STR DNA profiling. For this, Nepal Police have also shared technical requirements. Once the DNA profile is prepared, it can be sent to Nepal Police with necessary preliminary information.

Police

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu shared information and procedures related to the identification of victims’ bodies on Tuesday.

Ministry of External Affairs