India offers forensic DNA support to identify Nepal flood victims

The Centre will make forensic laboratory facilities available in India to help identify the mortal remains of victims of the recent flash floods in Nepal, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

Under the arrangement, first-degree biological relatives of people still missing after the floods can have their biological samples collected and DNA profiles prepared in India. The relatives may include parents, children or siblings.

DNA profiling can be carried out at Central Forensic Science Laboratories, State Forensic Science Laboratories, laboratories of the National Forensic Sciences University, and National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories-accredited facilities with DNA profiling capabilities.

The MEA said the initiative follows information shared by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu regarding procedures for identifying victims of the August 26 flash floods. The Ministry of Home Affairs has made the Indian forensic facilities available as an additional measure to support the identification process.

As advised by Nepal Police, Autosomal STR DNA profiling may be undertaken, subject to technical requirements communicated by Nepali authorities.

Once prepared, DNA profiles and the preliminary information required by Nepalese authorities can be sent to Nepal Police for comparison with DNA profiles obtained from unidentified mortal remains. A copy can also be shared with the Embassy of India in Kathmandu for coordination.

The MEA provided Nepal Police’s helpline number, +977 9841 6160 95, for assistance related to the process.

The death toll from last week’s flash floods has risen to at least 1,259, according to Nepalese authorities. More than 12,000 people have been rescued, while around 5,000 remain missing.

The floods, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border, devastated towns and villages across northern and central Nepal and caused widespread destruction.