Indian Embassy Assists in Identifying and Repatriating Flood Victims’ Remains

Kathmandu: The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has issued information about the process for identifying and bringing back the remains of Indian nationals who died in the recent flash floods in Nepal.

The floods caused heavy damage in several areas and resulted in deaths and people going missing. The identification of victims has become an important part of the ongoing relief and recovery work.

Steps Needed to Identify the Victims

According to the Government of Nepal, several formal steps must be completed before the remains of foreign nationals can be handed over to their families.

These steps include:

• Recording details about the deceased person.
• Taking photographs of the remains.
• Conducting a post-mortem examination.
• Confirming the possible cause of death.
• Completing the formal identification process.
• Collecting fingerprints where possible.
• Collecting DNA samples.
• Checking passports or other identity documents.

These procedures are important to make sure that the remains are correctly identified before they are handed over to relatives.

Families Can Check Photographs

The Indian Embassy said relatives can check photographs and descriptions of unidentified remains made available by Nepal Police.

If a family believes they can identify a missing relative from the photographs or available information, they can contact the Indian Embassy.

The Embassy will then coordinate with the relevant Nepalese authorities to help complete the identification, handover and repatriation process.

Temporary Burial of Remains

The Nepalese government has temporarily buried many of the remains because of health and safety concerns.

In cases where a person cannot be identified through photographs, documents or other physical information, DNA testing may be required.

DNA samples from the remains can be compared with samples from close family members. This can help authorities confirm the identity of a victim with greater certainty.

Embassy to Help Families

The Indian Embassy has said it will continue working with Nepalese authorities to assist families during the identification and repatriation process.

Families who are searching for relatives affected by the floods can contact the Embassy for information and assistance.

The Embassy has provided the following helpline numbers:

+977 985 131 6807
+977 970 910 7500
+977 981 032 6117

Importance of DNA Testing

DNA testing can be especially important when victims cannot be identified through photographs, fingerprints or identity documents.

It may take additional time because samples have to be collected and compared with those of close relatives. However, the process can provide families with official confirmation of a loved one’s identity.

Repatriation Process

Once identification is completed and the required legal procedures are finished, the remains can be handed over to the family and arrangements can be made to bring them back to India.

The process may take time because authorities have to carefully verify each case.

The Indian Embassy is coordinating with Nepalese officials to help families complete these procedures as smoothly as possible.

The Embassy has advised families affected by the disaster to remain in contact with officials and use the helpline numbers for assistance regarding identification, documentation and repatriation.