New Delhi: A devastating flood caused by a glacial burst has wreaked havoc in Nepal. The death toll from this catastrophe continues to rise; the number of fatalities in Nepal has reached 1,260, while over 5,000 people remain missing. The Government of India has taken a significant step to assist those grieving and searching for their loved ones. To identify those missing in the floods, DNA profiles of their close relatives in India will be created.
These profiles will then be matched against the unidentified bodies recovered in Nepal. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the process involves collecting samples from the “first-degree” biological relatives of the missing individuals, such as parents, children, and siblings, to generate DNA profiles.
Profile Reports to be Sent to Nepal Police
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that, in consultation with the Nepal Police, Autosomal STR DNA profiling could be conducted for identification purposes. The Nepal Police has shared the necessary technical specifications for this process. Once generated, the DNA profiles, along with essential preliminary information, can be forwarded to the Nepal Police.
These DNA profiles can be emailed to the Nepal Police at dnacodis@nepalpolice.gov.np. This will enable matching against the DNA profiles of unidentified bodies found in Nepal. The Government of India has also established an additional coordination mechanism.
Copies of the DNA profiles can be sent to the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu at eoikathmandufloodsupport@gmail.com. Additionally, a police helpline number, +977 9841 6160 95, has been issued to assist the public.
Search for the Missing Continues
More than 5,000 people are still reported missing following the severe floods in Nepal. Rescue teams are working tirelessly, day and night, to locate and retrieve the missing individuals. So far, over 12,000 people have been safely rescued. According to reports, 1,259 people have lost their lives, and the death toll could rise further.
Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu had shared information and procedures regarding the identification of the victims’ bodies on Tuesday. Now, through an initiative by the Ministry of Home Affairs, efforts are underway to simplify the identification process by making DNA profiling facilities available in India.
Floods struck on August 26
For context, this flood disaster hit Nepal on August 26, causing widespread devastation. The calamity was triggered by an avalanche of snow and rock near the Nepal-Tibet border. It has caused severe damage to numerous towns and villages across northern and central Nepal. Thousands of families are currently anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones; the government will hand over the bodies to the families only after DNA reports are matched.
