Six South Africans still missing after devastating Nepal flash floods

Six South African nationals are still unaccounted for following devastating flash floods in Nepal, with authorities yet to confirm what happened to them, Cape {town} Etc reports.

Picture: @thandojo / X

Cape {town} Etc reported on six South Africans being among the missing victims, with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) saying on Thursday, 10 September,  that there has been no confirmation regarding the whereabouts of the six South Africans.

According to SAnews, the department is working with authorities in Nepal as efforts continue to identify people affected by the disaster.

At the request of the Nepalese government, DIRCO arranged for the South African Police Service (SAPS) to collect DNA samples from biological relatives of the missing South Africans. The samples were collected through the Victim Identification Centre within the SAPS Division: Detectives and Forensic Services.

The resulting DNA profiles have since been sent to police authorities in Nepal, as well as Interpol in Kathmandu, where they can be used to assist with the identification process. The move provides authorities with a forensic avenue to establish the identities of victims who may have been caught up in the floods.

Reportedly, South African diplomatic missions in New Delhi, India, and Beijing, China, are also liaising with their respective host countries as the response to the disaster continues. For the families waiting for news, however, there has still been no confirmation.

‘Regrettably, there is still no confirmation from the authorities in Nepal or China/Tibet regarding any of the six South African nationals.’ – DIRCO.

The department said it would continue monitoring developments and keep the affected families informed as more information becomes available. The ongoing DNA identification process highlights the difficult task facing authorities after a major natural disaster, particularly when people remain unaccounted for, and information is still being gathered across borders.

For now, the six South Africans remain missing, with their families waiting for authorities to establish what happened to them.

Article previously shared by Cape Etc.

Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Spotify

ALSO READ: 

Emergency measures introduced at Mossel Bay’s Diaz Beach