Indian Embassy In China Seeks DNA Samples From Families Of Missing Citizens
The Indian Embassy in China has requested families of Indian nationals missing after the August 26 flash floods near the Tibet-Nepal border to submit DNA samples to help identify victims, as cross-border search and identification efforts continue.
The Embassy in Beijing issued the request after Chinese authorities confirmed they can receive and compare DNA profiles from families of missing Indian nationals. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also shared the Embassy’s advisory, urging families to cooperate with the identification process.
Families have been asked to provide DNA profiles in the internationally recognised Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) format. The Indian Embassy will forward the standardised data to Chinese authorities for comparison. If a match is confirmed, Chinese officials will notify the Embassy, which will then inform the concerned family.
The Embassy said blood samples should preferably be collected from the missing person's parents, spouse or children. Where possible, samples from multiple children should be provided. If the missing person has no living parents or children, samples from siblings are preferred, with all siblings encouraged to participate. Maternal and paternal relatives may also provide samples when necessary.
The technical requirements include DNA STR data for the samples, while Y-STR data must additionally be provided for missing male nationals. Samples must be clearly labelled with the missing person's nationality, name and passport number, along with the relative's name and passport details and the sample ID.
Families requiring guidance can contact the Embassy at +86 18514284905 or email cons1.beijing@mea.gov.in.
The disaster was triggered on August 26 after an ice-rock or glacier-related event near the Nepal-Tibet border sent a massive surge of water and debris downstream. The flooding devastated areas around the Bhotekoshi River and also caused extensive destruction in Nepal, affecting Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts.
Chinese authorities on Sunday reported 43 deaths and 519 people missing on the Tibet side. The missing included 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries, including 49 Indians. Many foreigners were near the border immigration facility when floodwaters and debris swept through the area.
Search and rescue operations remain underway, with teams clearing mud and debris from affected areas and working to recover and identify victims. On the Nepal side, rescue personnel are also searching damaged hydropower projects and tunnels, while efforts continue to restore vital infrastructure and provide assistance to affected communities.
The DNA-matching process is expected to help authorities establish the identities of victims and provide answers to families still waiting for information about their missing relatives.