Nepal intensifies DNA profiling to identify Bhotekoshi flood victims

Authorities in Nepal have intensified DNA profiling efforts to identify victims of the Bhotekoshi flash floods. The Nepal Police Central Forensic Science Laboratory is utilizing modern forensic methods to process thousands of samples, including blood, teeth, and bone, to minimize identification errors.

As part of the international coordination, DNA profiles from biological relatives of six missing South Africans have been sent to Nepalese police and Interpol in Kathmandu. This process was initiated following a formal request from the Nepalese government. The South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) is working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) Victim Identification Centre to coordinate the collection of these samples to assist in the identification process.