275 Indian nationals remain missing after devastating Nepal floods, while an Indian forensic team works with Nepali experts to identify victims. Over 3,000 samples are being examined, with 1,200 DNA profiles already generated, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
As many as 275 Indian nationals remain missing following the devastating flash floods in Nepal, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday, while an Indian forensic team continues to assist Nepali authorities in identifying victims of the disaster.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said an Indian forensic team is currently working alongside Nepali experts in Kathmandu. The team has been involved in analysing thousands of samples collected following the floods as authorities continue efforts to establish the identities of victims.
According to Jaiswal, forensic experts have been working on around 3,000 samples, from which they have so far generated approximately 1,200 DNA profiles. The identification process remains underway, while India is awaiting further information from the Nepali authorities regarding the missing Indian nationals.
“As I told you last time, we had given you a figure of 275 people who are missing Indian nationals or over and above, there were several other people from the Indian diaspora, persons of Indian origin, who are also missing,” Jaiswal said during the MEA’s weekly media briefing.
He added that the Indian forensic team is working in several laboratories in Kathmandu in coordination with their Nepali counterparts. The ongoing DNA profiling is expected to assist authorities in matching unidentified victims with families searching for their missing relatives.
Jaiswal also highlighted India’s continued assistance to Nepal since the disaster struck. According to the MEA, India has provided relief material and deployed specialised rescue and expert teams based on requests received from the Government of Nepal.
India sent a 54-member team to Nepal as part of its response. The team included 30 tunnel rescue experts, 19 forensic experts and a five-member medical team. While some members have returned to India, others remain engaged in relief and identification-related work.
“The Government of Nepal is currently assessing the situation there,” Jaiswal said, while reiterating India’s support during the recovery process.
The flash floods in Nepal caused significant disruption and prompted emergency response operations involving local and international agencies. India has continued its humanitarian assistance through the deployment of personnel, specialised expertise and essential supplies.
An Indian Air Force (IAF) flight carrying 11 tonnes of relief supplies reached Kathmandu on Saturday and handed over the material to the Government of Nepal. The latest mission brought the total number of special flights dispatched by India to nine since the floods struck on August 26.
The flights have transported relief materials, equipment and expert personnel to support Nepal’s emergency response. India’s forensic assistance has also focused on helping authorities deal with the challenging task of identifying victims through scientific methods.
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With 275 Indian nationals still reported missing, families continue to await information from authorities. The ongoing forensic examination and DNA profiling are expected to provide further leads as Nepal and India continue coordinating their response to the aftermath of the devastating floods.
