Nepal flood recovery: Forensic teams arrive as digital donations surge

Nepal is grappling with the aftermath of devastating floods and landslides, particularly in the Nuwakot district. As of September 5, authorities have recovered 1,342 bodies, though fewer than 100 have been identified. With 4,886 people still missing, forensic teams are facing immense pressure. To assist, a 35-member team from the Singapore Police Force has arrived in Kathmandu to work alongside forensic experts from India, China, and South Korea, utilizing DNA, fingerprints, and imagery to identify victims.

In response to the disaster, digital payment infrastructure has facilitated a massive surge in relief efforts. Over 10 billion rupees have been donated to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund via digital channels, including QR code transfers. This marks a significant shift in Nepal’s disaster response compared to the 2015 earthquake, as individuals and corporations, including Nvidia, can now transfer funds directly to government accounts with greater speed and transparency.