Floods in Nepal claim more than 900 lives, and thousands are missing. At the same time, the identification of the deceased has become a challenging task for relevant authorities and families of the deceased.
Nepal faces increasing identification challenges.
The current figures show that there are more than 900 deaths, and over 4,000 people are unaccounted for. There are ongoing rescue operations in different parts of Nepal affected by flash floods, landslides, and debris flows. Given the number of victims, identifying them has become especially challenging. Most victims’ bodies have been recovered from rivers and debris, and some remains have been found deteriorated because of their long stay in adverse conditions. As a result, the authorities have already started documenting the bodies retrieved and collecting DNA samples for identification purposes.
DON'T MISS
How can Indians help identify mortal remains?
Indians searching for their relatives can use a DNA test as the most reliable way of identifying victims in case it is not possible to make visual identification. Relatives can provide DNA samples to the authorities responsible for identifying the victims. It will be possible to compare their samples with the DNA obtained from the victims’ bodies. It is recommended to keep all the identity documents, recent photos, and any other data concerning the missing person, including fingerprints, dental and other personal information. India is helping Nepal in its rescue and relief efforts as well as in victim identification.
What families should do next?
Families should report missing relatives through the official channels of the Indian Embassy or Nepalese authorities and provide as much verified information as possible. They should avoid relying on unverified photographs or social media claims, particularly while identification efforts are still underway. The continuing recovery operation means the list of identified victims can change as forensic teams process more remains. For families, DNA-based identification and official records may provide the most dependable route to confirming the identity of loved ones.
