Nepal floods: Families advised to seek guidance before DNA testing

Telangana Bhavan is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu and Nepal Police to trace Telangana-linked persons affected by floods in Nepal, while guiding families on identification, DNA profiling and repatriation of mortal remains

Hyderabad: Telangana Bhavan is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Embassy of India in Kathmandu and Nepal Police to trace Telangana-linked persons affected by the floods in Nepal, ensure their safe movement, and facilitate the identification and repatriation of mortal remains.

According to information shared by Ministry of External Affairs officials, 449 Indian nationals crossed from Tibet into Nepal on August 29. Arrangements were made to facilitate the movement of another 397 Indian nationals through the same route on August 30.

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In the list received by Telangana Bhavan, the name and passport details of Alli Ilesha matched its records. His family has confirmed that he is in contact with them and was expected to reach Hyderabad around 10 pm on Sunday, Telangana Bhavan officials said in a press release.

The Nepal government has made photographs and basic particulars of the deceased available on the Nepal Police Disaster Portal. The identification of mortal remains in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan, Gorkha, Tanahun, Nawalparasi East, Nawalparasi West and Kathmandu districts is underway.

According to Nepal Police, DNA profiling is not mandatory when visual identification is possible. Mortal remains will be handed over to the next of kin after the identity of the deceased and their relationship with the claimant have been established.

Where visual identification is not possible, DNA profiles of first-degree relatives, including parents, brothers and sisters, will be matched with samples collected by Nepal’s forensic authorities.

Relatives do not have to travel to Nepal solely for DNA profiling. DNA profiles prepared at their place of residence can be submitted for matching. Nepal Police is also working on a mechanism to receive such profiles in advance through email, officials stated.

The detailed protocol for the identification, handover and repatriation of mortal remains is still being finalised by the Nepal authorities.

In view of these arrangements, families have been advised to seek guidance from Telangana Bhavan or the Embassy of India in Kathmandu before undergoing DNA testing or travelling to Nepal for identification.

Further information on individual cases will be shared with the concerned families and the public only after official confirmation, the officials added.