Authorities outline DNA matching and forensic procedures to identify foreign nationals killed in Rasuwa disaster…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Nepalese authorities have outlined procedures for the identification and handover of mortal remains of foreign nationals killed in the devastating flash floods in Rasuwa, as efforts continue to trace and identify victims of the disaster.
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu said on Monday that the Government of Nepal had established a series of formal steps that must be completed before the remains of foreign nationals can be released to families or repatriated.
The process includes documentation and photography of the remains, post-mortem examinations and verification of the cause of death. Authorities will also establish the identity of the deceased through fingerprints, DNA and other forensic samples, along with passport verification.
Coordination with the relevant embassy or consular officials will also be required before a formal handover or release memo can be completed.
The Indian Embassy said relatives who are able to identify victims through photographs and descriptions published on the Nepal Police website can seek assistance from embassy officials in Kathmandu to coordinate with local authorities for the handover and repatriation process.
Nepalese authorities have temporarily interred a large number of unidentified remains to prevent potential health risks, the embassy said.
In such cases, identification will require DNA matching with first-degree relatives. Families can submit DNA profiles electronically or provide blood samples along with preliminary information required by Nepalese authorities.
The Nepal Government is collecting DNA samples from recovered remains to create forensic profiles and facilitate future identification, particularly where immediate identification has not been possible.
The Indian mission said details regarding the DNA identification process are available through Nepal Police, which has also issued a dedicated helpline for affected families.
The Indian Embassy has separately released emergency helpline numbers to assist families seeking information or support.
The devastating flash floods struck Nepal’s Rasuwa district after originating in China’s Tibetan region on August 26 and surged through the transboundary Bhote Koshi River, causing widespread destruction.
The disaster left hundreds of people dead or missing, including foreign nationals, and triggered a major search, recovery and identification operation in the Himalayan region.
