South Africa says six of its nationals are still unaccounted for after devastating flash floods that occurred in Nepal last month.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said it has been working with the government of Nepal following a formal request from Nepalese authorities for DNA profiles for the missing citizens.
DIRCO said South Africa’s police have arranged the collection and coordination of DNA profiles from biological relatives of the missing South Africans.
The DNA profiles were gathered through the Victim Identification Centre in the South African Police Service’s Detectives and Forensic Services division.
The profiles have been sent to police in Nepal and to Interpol in Kathmandu to support identification efforts.
DIRCO added that South Africa’s diplomatic missions in New Delhi and Beijing are liaising with host-country authorities to coordinate elements of the response.
JN/APA