Indian Embassy in China seeks DNA samples for 49 missing after Tibet flood

The Indian Embassy in China has asked families of Indians missing in the Tibet flood to submit DNA samples. The move follows Chinese confirmation that CODIS-based matching can now aid identification of the 49 missing Indians.Stock photo used for illustrationThe Indian Embassy in China on Monday asked families of Indians missing since the August 26 flash flood in the Tibet-Nepal border region to provide DNA samples to help identify them. The request came after Chinese authorities confirmed that they were now able to receive DNA samples from families of Indian nationals listed as missing in the disaster, according to an Embassy press release.The embassy said families willing to share DNA information should submit the relevant data in the internationally recognised CODIS format. It said the data would be forwarded to the concerned Chinese authorities for comparison and added: "The Embassy will be notified, and will in turn inform the family, should a match be confirmed."The Indian mission said blood samples can be collected from the parents of the missing foreign national or the spouse and children, and that samples from multiple children should be collected wherever possible. "If the missing person has no living parents or children, kindly collect blood samples from siblings (collecting samples from all siblings is preferred)," it said. The mission added that, if necessary, samples can also be collected from other maternal relatives, such as cousins on the maternal side, and paternal relatives, such as cousins on the paternal side, along with specified details of the relationship.The embassy said DNA STR data is required for the samples and that, for males, Y-STR data must also be included. It said the data should be stored in the internationally recognised CODIS format. The samples, it added, should be clearly labelled with the nationality, name and passport number of the missing person, as well as the name and passport number of the family member and the sample ID number. Families seeking further guidance have been asked to contact the Embassy of India at telephone number +86 18514284905 or email cons1.beijing@mea.gov.in. The disaster was triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, sending a massive surge of water and debris downstream through the Bhotekoshi River and devastating settlements in northern and central Nepal. On Sunday, Chinese officials revised the death toll to 43, with 519 others still missing. Among those missing are 261 foreigners, including 49 Indians. Most of the dead and missing foreigners were on both sides of the immigration building when it was swept away by the flood.With PTI Inputs - EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Sep 7, 2026 22:32 IST