KATHMANDU: The Nepal Police has begun the process of DNA testing to identify bodies and human remains recovered following the Bhotekoshi flood, including those believed to belong to Nepali and foreign nationals.
Police said arrangements have been made to identify unidentified bodies and body parts through DNA profiling. Families of people who remain missing have been asked to provide the necessary samples to assist in the identification process.
For missing persons whose relatives are in Nepal, a fresh blood sample from any one first-degree relative, father, mother, son or daughter, will be required. Relatives can contact the laboratory at the Police Hospital in Maharajgunj or the nearest District Police Office to provide the sample.
First-degree relatives living abroad can have their DNA profile prepared at an authorised laboratory in their country of residence and send a digital copy to the official email address of the Nepal Police.
According to police, identification will be carried out by comparing the DNA profiles of the recovered remains with those of relatives. The process requires the missing person’s full name and identification details, the date and location of disappearance where available, the DNA test report issued by an authorised forensic laboratory, and details establishing the relationship between the missing person and the person providing the DNA sample.
Police have urged families of those still unaccounted for to cooperate with the DNA identification process to help establish the identities of the recovered remains.
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