OTTAWA/KATHMANDU — Canadian officials are working to collect DNA samples from the families of 29 Canadians who remain missing following the catastrophic flash flooding that struck the Himalayan border region between Nepal and China last week.
Global Affairs Canada is coordinating the effort with the RCMP and authorities in Nepal and China as search teams continue the difficult task of locating victims and identifying bodies recovered from areas devastated by the disaster.
The flooding struck on Aug. 26 after a glacier collapse triggered destructive flooding across the mountainous border region. More than 1,100 people have reportedly died, while approximately 4,400 remain missing, making the disaster one of the region’s most devastating natural catastrophes in recent years.
The enormous number of casualties has created serious challenges for authorities attempting to identify victims. In Kathmandu, police have reportedly buried dozens of unidentified bodies as authorities struggle with the scale of the disaster and limited capacity to preserve remains while identification efforts continue.
Thirty Canadians were initially believed to have been in or near the affected region. One Canadian has since been located safely, but another 29 remain unaccounted for.
Canadian officials are now seeking DNA samples from relatives of the missing Canadians. The samples could become crucial in helping Nepali and Chinese authorities identify recovered remains and provide families with definitive information about their loved ones.
The disaster has also affected hundreds of international visitors. According to the Nepal Tourism Board, more than 580 foreign nationals and tourists remained unaccounted for as of Sept. 1, while approximately 330 had been rescued.
Federal officials cautioned that the situation remains fluid, with information changing daily as rescue crews reach isolated communities and search operations continue across difficult mountainous terrain.
Global Affairs Canada has deployed 10 officials in Kathmandu and established direct points of contact with the families of the missing Canadians. Officials said Canada continues to work closely with local authorities while providing assistance and information to affected families.
Search, recovery and identification operations are being led by authorities in Nepal and China. Canada has offered additional assistance as those efforts continue.
For the families of the 29 missing Canadians, the search has now entered an especially painful stage. The collection of DNA underscores the growing importance of identifying victims while rescue and recovery teams continue searching for any sign of those still unaccounted for.
With thousands of people still missing across the disaster zone, Canadian officials say they will continue working with authorities in Nepal and China as families wait for answers.