India opens forensic labs to identify Nepal flood victims through DNA profiling

India has opened its forensic laboratories to collect DNA samples from relatives of people missing in Nepal's flash floods. The step could speed up identification of mortal remains and support grieving families across the border.The move is aimed at helping first-degree biological relatives living in India provide samples for DNA profiling. ( Representational Image)India will make the services of central and state-level forensic laboratories available to help identify the mortal remains of people missing after the flash floods in Nepal, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday. The move is aimed at helping first-degree biological relatives living in India provide samples for DNA profiling.The decision comes as Nepal continues rescue and recovery work after the August 26 floods. According to Nepalese authorities, the death toll has risen to at least 1,259, more than 12,000 people have been rescued, and around 5,000 remain missing.The MEA said first-degree biological relatives in India, including father, mother, son, daughter or sibling, may have their biological samples collected and DNA profiles prepared at Central Forensic Science Laboratories, State Forensic Science Laboratories, laboratories of the National Forensic Sciences University, and NABL-accredited laboratories with DNA profiling capability.In a press statement on Tuesday, the Embassy of India in Kathmandu had outlined the available information on procedures for identifying the mortal remains of the flash flood victims. Against this backdrop, and as an additional step to support the ongoing identification process, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to make available the services of CFSLs, SFSLs and NFSU laboratories in India for "DNA profiling of first-degree biological relatives of persons who remain missing following the flash flood in Nepal", the MEA said. The ministry also shared a list of government forensic science laboratories with DNA profiling facilities. "As advised by the Nepal Police, Autosomal STR DNA profiling may be undertaken for the purpose of identification, subject to the technical requirements communicated by the Nepali authorities. The helpline number in this regard is: +977 9841 6160 95," it said.Once prepared, the DNA profiles, along with the preliminary information required by the Nepali authorities, may be sent by email to dnacodis@nepalpolice.gov.np for comparison with DNA profiles obtained from unidentified mortal remains, the statement said. For facilitation and coordination by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, a copy of the DNA profile may also be sent to eoikathmandufloodsupport@gmail.com, it added. The flash floods were triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border and devastated towns and villages in northern and central Nepal. India has now opened its forensic laboratory network to help families in India support the identification process as search and rescue operations continue in Nepal.- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Sep 4, 2026 04:23 IST