The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has issued details of the process for identifying and repatriating the mortal remains of victims of the recent flash floods in Nepal, which have claimed more than 1,000 lives.
In a statement issued on September 1, the embassy said the details were provided by Nepali authorities as a follow-up to its August 29 press release on the identification of mortal remains of victims. For foreign nationals, the process involves nine steps before the remains can be handed over to their respective countries.
Also Read: Blasting hillsides, pumping oxygen: Inside the race to reach 600 trapped in Nepal's flooded tunnels
Deep Dive
What steps are involved in the process of repatriating the mortal remains of flood victims in Nepal?
How does DNA matching help in identifying the mortal remains of flood victims in Nepal?
What should families do if they are unable to travel to Nepal for DNA testing of their missing relatives?
What are the steps
As per the Government of Nepal, the following steps will be required for handing over the mortal remains of foreign nationals:
1.Documentation of mortal remains
2. Recording photographs and details of the mortal remains
{{/usCountry}}2. Recording photographs and details of the mortal remains
{{/usCountry}}3. Post-mortem examination
4. Verification of cause of death
5. Formal establishment of identification
6. Collection of fingerprints, DNA or forensic samples
7. Verification of the deceased's passport or ID
8. Completion of embassy/consular coordination
9. Completion of handover/release memo and receipt
The first four steps, documentation, recording photographs and details, post-mortem examination, and verification of the cause of death, will be carried out by Nepali authorities.
Check official advisory here:
What if families can identify the remains?
If relatives are able to identify the mortal remains through photographs and descriptions published on the Nepal Police website, the Embassy of India in Kathmandu will help coordinate with local authorities for the handover and repatriation process.
The Nepal government has temporarily interred a large number of mortal remains to prevent health risks. Identification of these remains will require DNA matching with first-degree relatives.
Also Read: Nepal rescue operation: Flash flood toll surpasses 950 as rescuers struggle through mud and debris
What about unidentified remains
Where identification is not possible, or where the mortal remains have been temporarily interred, the Nepal government will facilitate DNA matching.
Nepali authorities are collecting DNA samples from the mortal remains to create their DNA profiles. First-degree relatives of those reported missing can either send their DNA profiles by email to Nepal Police or provide blood samples along with preliminary information required by the authorities.
For assistance from the Indian Embassy, relatives can also copy their DNA profiles to the embassy's flood-support email address.
Further details on DNA profiling are available through the Nepal Police website and its helpline.
The Embassy of India has also provided three helpline numbers, with WhatsApp facility, for further assistance and enquiries: +977 985 131 6807, +977 970 910 7500 and +977 981 032 6117.