August 30, Kathmandu.
India has deployed a forensic team to assist in DNA sample analysis and identification of bodies of individuals who lost their lives in the recent flood and landslide in Bhotekoshi. By Sunday afternoon, the number of deaths in the flood and landslide has reached 734.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava met with the Indian forensic team deployed in Nepal.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote on X, “Ambassador Naveen Srivastava met with members of the Indian forensic team deployed in Nepal. The team will collaborate with their Nepali counterparts to analyze DNA samples and assist in identifying the bodies of individuals who lost their lives in the recent flood and landslide.”
Srivastava also wrote on X, “Met with members of the Indian forensic team who arrived in Kathmandu with the fourth relief flight. They will collaborate with their Nepali counterparts to assist in DNA sample analysis of those who died in the devastating flood and landslide in Rasuwa. India will continue to provide strong support to ongoing relief and rescue efforts in Nepal.”
India has previously also provided relief materials to Nepal. Nepal, however, has requested further assistance for forensic laboratories and rapid DNA testing to identify more than 600 bodies found in the flood and landslide.
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Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal said on Sunday, “We are seeking further assistance for forensic laboratories. We have found more than 600 bodies, many of which are in a very difficult condition to identify. We are seeking such assistance because we need to conduct rapid DNA testing, and we are actively coordinating for this.”
Earlier, India had sent a fourth flight to Kathmandu carrying essential materials and special technical capabilities to support the ongoing rescue and relief operations in Nepal.
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar wrote on X, “The fourth Indian flight has landed in Kathmandu. It has brought essential materials and technical capabilities to support the ongoing rescue and relief operations in Nepal.”
Meanwhile, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), by Sunday morning, the death toll due to the Bhotekoshi flood in Nepal has reached 734, while 2,419 people are missing or out of contact. (ANI)
For More: Indian Forensic Team Nepal
