DNA, unique IDs and geo-tags: How Nepal plans to identify flood victims after burial
Nepal is implementing a protocol to collect and preserve DNA samples from unidentified flood victims before burial. This measure aims to assist families in identifying their missing relatives following a catastrophic glacier collapse.
Why it matters
Addresses the humanitarian and logistical challenges of managing mass casualty events in disaster-prone regions.
Nepal will collect and preserve DNA samples and other identifying information from victims whose bodies cannot be immediately identified before their remains are buried by the state, Prime Minister Balendra Shah said on Saturday.The measure comes as authorities continue to search for nearly 3,000 people missing after a devastating flood in the Himalayan region bordering Tibet. The disaster has killed more than 680 people in Nepal and Tibet.Nearly 3,000 people remain missing, including about 2,426 in Nepal and 546 in Tibet's Gyirong County. At least 540 foreign nationals are among those missing.Triggered by a glacier collapse, a torrent of rock, ice, mud and debris swept through mountain river systems on Wednesday, engulfing villages and destroying buildings, bridges and power infrastructure.DNA samples before burialSome of the bodies recovered by rescuers have decomposed beyond recognition, making immediate identification difficult.
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