Six South Africans still missing after Nepal flash floods as DNA sent for identification
South African authorities are using DNA samples from relatives to identify six nationals missing after flash floods in Nepal. The Department of International Relations and Co-operation is coordinating with international partners in India and China to manage the search efforts.
Why it matters
This highlights the complex diplomatic and forensic challenges involved in international disaster response and the search for missing citizens abroad.
Ask AI 1 min Six South Africans remain missing following devastating flash floods in Nepal as authorities continue efforts to establish their whereabouts.
Six South Africans remain unaccounted for following devastating flash floods in Nepal, as authorities turn to DNA identification in efforts to determine their whereabouts.
The Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO) confirmed on Thursday that there had still been no word on the six nationals from authorities in Nepal or China/Tibet.
DNA profiles from biological relatives of the missing South Africans have now been sent to Nepalese police and Interpol in Kathmandu to assist with identification efforts.
The process was initiated following a formal request from the Nepalese government, with DIRCO enlisting the SAPS Victim Identification Centre under the Division: Detectives and Forensic Services to co-ordinate the collection of samples.
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