Archive · 2 Sep 2026
India Sends Forensic Team to Identify Nepal Flood Victims
Recent flash floods in Nepal left many people dead or missing.
Some bodies are difficult to identify because they are only partial remains.
India sent 19 forensic experts to help Nepal test DNA samples.
The experts are working with Nepali scientists in two laboratories.
DNA testing can help match bodies with families or missing-person records.
Nepal Police says 1,068 bodies have been recovered so far.
Authorities say 4,606 people are still unaccounted for, including people from other countries.
Search teams are also looking in river areas and hydropower tunnels.
Nepali officials say they are preserving DNA and other evidence while identified bodies are returned to families.
A 19-member Indian forensic team has begun analyzing DNA samples with Nepali experts.
The team is working at two laboratories in Kathmandu Valley, including facilities in Kathmandu and Khumaltar.
Nepal Police says 1,068 bodies have been recovered, including 400 consisting only of partial remains.
Authorities say 4,606 people remain unaccounted for, including 583 foreigners.
Search teams are investigating hydropower tunnels and river corridors, with technical assistance from India and China.
- Who
- A 19-member Indian forensic team, Nepali forensic experts, Nepal Police, and other Nepali rescue agencies are involved.
- What
- DNA samples from flood victims are being analyzed to identify bodies and determine the fate of missing people.
- When
- The Indian team began work on September 1, 2026; recovery figures were reported by Tuesday evening.
- Where
- The forensic work is taking place at laboratories in Kathmandu Valley, including Kathmandu and Khumaltar; searches continue in Rasuwa and Nuwakot.
- Why
- The effort aims to identify unclaimed bodies, help families, and locate people still missing after the flash floods.
- Indian forensic team
- 19 members
- Recovered bodies
- 1,068
- Partial remains
- 400 recovered bodies consisted only of partial remains
- People unaccounted for
- 4,606
- Unaccounted foreigners
- 583
- Forensic locations
- Nepal Police Central Forensic Science Laboratory and National Forensic Science Laboratory in Khumaltar
- Search areas
- Hydropower projects and tunnels along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors
