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India offers DNA profiling services for Nepal flood victim identification
The Indian government will provide DNA testing facilities to help identify victims of devastating floods in Nepal. First-degree relatives of the missing living in India can provide biological samples at forensic laboratories across the country.
LSN India ·
India's Ministry of External Affairs announced Thursday that it will extend forensic support to assist in identifying mortal remains from last week's catastrophic floods in Nepal. The Centre will facilitate DNA profiling services through its network of forensic laboratories to aid the identification process.
First-degree biological relatives—including parents, children, and siblings—of flood victims residing in India can submit biological samples for DNA profiling at Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs), State Forensic Science Laboratories (SFSLs), and facilities operated by the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), as well as NABL-accredited laboratories equipped for DNA analysis.
The death toll from Nepal's flash floods has climbed to at least 1,259, with rescue operations recovering additional bodies from affected regions. While emergency response teams have rescued over 12,000 people, approximately 5,000 remain unaccounted for, according to Nepalese authorities.
The DNA profiling initiative reflects India's commitment to supporting its neighbour during the humanitarian crisis. The identification effort is expected to assist families across the border seeking confirmation of their loved ones' fate in one of the region's deadliest weather disasters in recent years.