Nepal readies DNA testing process for flood disaster victims

Families affected by recent flooding in Nepal have been advised to prepare for DNA testing as authorities work to identify deceased victims, the country's foreign ministry said. The initiative aims to streamline the identification process by matching DNA samples collected from next of kin with remains of unidentified bodies in the affected areas.

The Nepali police force will play a central role in facilitating the sample collection process, working alongside the foreign ministry to assist bereaved families. Officials have indicated that the DNA testing programme is essential given the scale of casualties and the challenging conditions in disaster-affected regions.

The move reflects standard international disaster response protocols, where genetic identification becomes critical when traditional identification methods prove difficult due to the extent of damage caused by natural disasters. Families wishing to participate in the programme have been encouraged to contact local authorities for information on collection procedures and timelines.

Nepal's government has urged relatives to come forward with information about missing persons as search and recovery operations continue in flood-affected areas across the country.