Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Gujarat Collects DNA From Kin of 29 Nepal Flood Missing
Thirty people connected to Gujarat are still missing or cannot be contacted after floods in Nepal.
Families of 29 of those people have given DNA samples.
Scientists will compare these samples with DNA from bodies and human remains found after the floods.
This may help identify people even when their bodies are badly damaged or found in pieces.
Six laboratories in Gujarat are doing the work for free.
The National Forensic Sciences University is working with Indian and Nepalese authorities.
Some relatives living in other countries have also provided samples through local officials.
The goal is to help families learn what happened to their missing relatives.
DNA samples have been collected from relatives of 29 of 30 people from Gujarat who remain missing or uncontactable after Nepal’s August 26, 2026, flash floods.
The samples will be compared with DNA from recovered bodies and human remains to help identify victims.
Six designated laboratories in Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Junagadh and Rajkot are conducting the profiling free of cost.
The National Forensic Sciences University is coordinating with India’s Ministry of External Affairs and Nepalese authorities on the identification process.
Several missing people had travelled through Nepal for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, while relatives abroad have also provided samples through local authorities.
- Who
- Relatives of 30 missing or uncontactable people from Gujarat, Gujarat authorities, the National Forensic Sciences University, Nepal Police and Nepalese authorities.
- What
- DNA samples are being collected and profiled to identify bodies and human remains recovered after the Nepal floods.
- When
- Following the August 26, 2026, flash floods; samples from relatives of 29 people have been collected so far.
- Where
- The floods affected areas near the Nepal-Tibet border and the Bhote Koshi River corridor; profiling is being conducted in six Gujarat laboratories and through authorities abroad.
- Why
- To identify recovered victims and help families determine the fate of relatives who remain missing or uncontactable.
- People untraceable
- 30 people from Gujarat, including Non-Resident Gujaratis, remain missing or uncontactable.
- Samples collected
- Relatives of 29 missing people have provided DNA samples; the remaining case is underway.
- Gujarat laboratories
- Designated facilities are located in Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Junagadh and Rajkot.
- Cost
- DNA profiling at designated laboratories is being provided free of cost.
- Coordinating institution
- The National Forensic Sciences University in Gandhinagar is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs.
- International samples
- Relatives in New Zealand, the United States, Canada and African countries have had samples collected or received guidance through local authorities.
- Identification process
- Laboratories send profiling reports to Nepalese authorities, while Nepal Police profiles DNA from recovered bodies and human remains.
