By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
In this aerial image of the Kathmandu valley, Bagmati River is seen flooded due to heavy rains in Kathmandu, Nepal, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Photo Credit: Gopen Rai/AP.
Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) confirmed that six South Africans remain unaccounted for following devastating flash floods in Nepal.
DNA profiles from biological relatives of the missing South Africans have now been sent to Nepalese police and Interpol in Kathmandu to assist with identification efforts.
The process was initiated following a formal request from the Nepalese government, with DIRCO enlisting the SAPS Victim Identification Centre under the Division: Detectives and Forensic Services to co-ordinate the collection of samples.
The development marks a significant step in efforts to establish what happened to the six South Africans as authorities continue responding to the aftermath of the floods.
South African diplomatic missions in New Delhi, India, and Beijing, China, are also liaising with the respective host countries as authorities coordinate their response to the disaster.
DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said there has, however, been no confirmation regarding the whereabouts of the six South African nationals.
“Regrettably, there is still no confirmation from the authorities in Nepal or China/Tibet regarding any of the six South African nationals,” Phiri said.
Phiri added that “The department will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates to the families as more information becomes available.”
More than 1,300 people were killed in the floods triggered by a glacial collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border, with 5000 still missing.
Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah vowed there would be no let-up in the rescue operations.
“We know our responsibility and its sensitivity. We are translating the humanitarian spirit of the Nepali people into practice through the search and rescue operation,” he said in a social media post late on Monday.