As rescue efforts enter their seventh day following catastrophic floods near Nepal’s border with Tibet, the death toll has crossed 1,000, with another 3,916 individuals still missing. The missing include 275 Indian nationals and 128 people of Indian origin—the majority of whom were Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrims, according to the Foreign Ministry.
With morgues completely overwhelmed and bodies continuing to wash up, authorities in Nepal have begun carrying out temporary interments and mass burials. Before burial, officials are collecting DNA samples, wrapping each body in a tagged plastic bag, and recording location numbers to allow for future identification.
Indian Embassy Issues Guidelines and Helpline Numbers
To assist families searching for missing loved ones, the Indian Embassy in Nepal has released a step-by-step advisory. The Nepalese government has made photographs and descriptions of recovered victims accessible via a dedicated weblink. If a family is able to visually identify a relative, the embassy will coordinate with local authorities to facilitate the handover and repatriation of the mortal remains.
For bodies that cannot be visually identified or have already been temporarily interred, the Nepalese authorities are relying on DNA matching:
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DNA Profiling Process: The Nepal Police are creating DNA profiles from recovered remains. First-degree relatives can submit their DNA profiles or blood samples along with required preliminary details.
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Submission Channels:
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Email DNA profiles directly to dnacodis@nepalpolice.gov.np
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Copy the Indian Embassy at eoikathmandufloodsupport@gmail.com for consular assistance.
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Official Resources: Relevant details can be accessed via the Nepal Police Website or by calling their helpline at +977 9841616095.
Embassy Helpline Contacts for Indian Families
For real-time assistance, inquiries, or consular coordination, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu can be reached via WhatsApp on the following dedicated helplines:
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+977 9851316807
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+977 9709107500
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+977 9810326117
