Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Indian Embassy Seeks DNA Samples to Identify Flood Victims
Severe floods and mudslides happened near the Nepal–Tibet border on August 26.
Some Indian citizens are still missing after the disaster.
The Indian Embassy in Beijing is asking their families for DNA samples.
DNA is a special biological code that can help identify people.
Chinese authorities will compare the samples with DNA from unidentified victims.
Parents, spouses, children, and siblings are the most useful relatives for testing.
Samples must follow an international format called CODIS.
The embassy will send the information to Chinese officials and tell relatives if a match is found.
Families can contact the embassy for instructions.
The Indian Embassy in Beijing asked families of missing Indian nationals to submit DNA samples after the August 26 floods and mudslides.
Chinese authorities said they can match international DNA profiles to help identify victims.
Families must provide CODIS-formatted DNA profiles, including STR data and Y-STR data for missing males.
The embassy prioritizes samples from biological parents, spouses, children, and multiple siblings where possible.
The disaster inundated parts of Nepal’s Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts, damaging bridges, hydropower projects, and other infrastructure.
- Who
- The Indian Embassy in Beijing, families of missing Indian nationals, and Chinese authorities are involved.
- What
- The embassy is collecting standardized DNA samples to help identify Indian citizens missing after the disaster.
- When
- The request followed the catastrophic floods and mudslides of August 26.
- Where
- The disaster occurred near the Nepal–Tibet border, affecting Nepal’s Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts.
- Why
- DNA matching may help Chinese authorities identify victims and notify the missing people’s relatives.
- DNA standard
- Samples must be formatted under the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).
- Preferred relatives
- Biological parents, spouses, children, and multiple siblings are prioritized.
- Required testing
- DNA STR data is required for all samples; Y-STR data is required for missing males.
- Required identification details
- Submissions must include the missing person’s name, nationality, passport number, and the relative’s passport details and sample ID.
- Embassy helpline
- +86 18514284905
- Embassy email
- [email protected]
- Disaster impact
- Floodwaters damaged bridges, hydropower projects, and vital infrastructure.