Nepal to preserve DNA of unidentified flood victims before burial, PM announces

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah has confirmed that his government will collect DNA samples and other identifying evidence from all unidentified bodies recovered from last week's devastating floods before proceeding with burial or disposal.

In a social media statement issued Saturday evening, Shah clarified that only those bodies not claimed by relatives would be handled by the state. "Bodies identified by families are being handed over to them," he said, while urging the public not to fall for misinformation regarding the government's handling of the deceased.

The Prime Minister disclosed that 675 bodies have been recovered so far across multiple districts, including Rasuwa, Dhading, Nuwakot, Chitwan, Tanahun, Gorkha, and both East and West Nawalparasi. According to Shah, all recovered bodies are being placed in airtight bags and managed in accordance with the Unidentified and Unclaimed Bodies Management (First Amendment) Directive, 2026.

The catastrophic flood, which struck the Bhotekoshi river in Rasuwa on August 26, caused widespread casualties and extensive damage to property and infrastructure along the river corridor, affecting Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading in particular.

Shah said that rescue, search, treatment, relief distribution, and communication restoration efforts were intensified immediately following the disaster. He noted that federal, provincial, and local authorities are coordinating the response, with all government agencies operating at full capacity to support affected communities.

"Protecting the lives of every citizen affected by this tragedy is the government's top priority," Shah emphasised, adding that the administration will continue to stand by the victims and sustain rescue and rehabilitation operations until meaningful progress is achieved.  (Source: Kathmandu Post)