10 September 2026
Six S Africans still missing after Nepal floods, DNA provided in search efforts
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Six S Africans still missing after Nepal floods, DNA provided in search efforts
Six South African nationals remain unaccounted for following devastating flash floods in Nepal, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) confirmed on Thursday.
In response to a formal request from the Nepalese government, Dirco has partnered with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to expedite identification efforts.
The SAPS Victim Identification Centre, operating under the Division: Detectives and Forensic Services, has collected and coordinated DNA profiles from the biological relatives of the missing individuals.
These DNA profiles have been sent to authorities in Nepal and Interpol in Kathmandu to help in the ongoing search and identification process.
Dirco explained that owing to the complex geography of the region, South African diplomatic missions in New Delhi, India, and Beijing, China, are actively liaising with host governments to coordinate a regional disaster response.
Dirco noted that there is still no official confirmation from authorities in Nepal or China/Tibet regarding the status or whereabouts of the six citizens.
Dirco stated that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and remains committed to providing regular updates to the affected families as new information emerges.
Six South African nationals remain unaccounted for following devastating flash floods in Nepal, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) confirmed on Thursday.
In response to a formal request from the Nepalese government, Dirco has partnered with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to expedite identification efforts.
The SAPS Victim Identification Centre, operating under the Division: Detectives and Forensic Services, has collected and coordinated DNA profiles from the biological relatives of the missing individuals.
These DNA profiles have been sent to authorities in Nepal and Interpol in Kathmandu to help in the ongoing search and identification process.
Dirco explained that owing to the complex geography of the region, South African diplomatic missions in New Delhi, India, and Beijing, China, are actively liaising with host governments to coordinate a regional disaster response.
Dirco noted that there is still no official confirmation from authorities in Nepal or China/Tibet regarding the status or whereabouts of the six citizens.
Dirco stated that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and remains committed to providing regular updates to the affected families as new information emerges.