Six South Africans still missing after Nepal flash floods as DNA samples sent for identification

Six South Africans remain unaccounted for after devastating flash floods in Nepal, and authorities have dispatched DNA profiles from relatives to aid identification efforts, the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO) said on Thursday.

DNA profiles sent to Kathmandu

DIRCO confirmed that DNA profiles from biological relatives of the missing South Africans were sent to Nepalese police and Interpol in Kathmandu to support identification. The department said the move followed a formal request from the Nepalese government.

The collection of samples was co-ordinated by the SAPS Victim Identification Centre under the Division: Detectives and Forensic Services, after DIRCO enlisted their assistance to gather the necessary profiles.

Diplomatic channels widen response

South Africa has broadened its diplomatic engagement in response to the disaster. South African missions in New Delhi and Beijing are liaising with their host countries to co-ordinate the response, DIRCO said.

DIRCO also said authorities were still waiting for information from Nepal and China/Tibet regarding the six missing nationals.

Families and next steps

DIRCO said it would keep following developments and maintain communication with the affected families.

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates to the families as more information becomes available,”

The deployment of forensic identification measures marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to establish the fate of the six South Africans as responses continue following the flash floods.