Archive · 8 Sep 2026
India Seeks DNA Samples to Identify Mudslide Victims
Some Indian people are missing after a mudslide and flash flood on August 26.
The Indian Embassy in Beijing wants their families to provide DNA samples.
Chinese authorities will compare those samples with information from unidentified victims.
The samples must be prepared in a standard format called CODIS.
Parents, spouses, children and siblings are the most useful relatives for testing.
Other relatives may also provide samples if needed.
The Embassy will tell families if a match is found.
The report also describes severe flooding in Nepal, including a reported death toll of 1,356.
The article does not clearly explain how the China-related missing-person case connects to the Nepal flood details.
The Indian Embassy in Beijing asked families of missing Indian nationals to submit DNA information for identification.
Chinese authorities reportedly confirmed they can receive DNA samples from families of the missing.
Samples should include DNA STR data, and Y-STR data for male samples, in CODIS format.
The Embassy prioritized samples from parents, spouses and children, followed by siblings and other relatives.
The report also says the disaster’s death toll reached 1,356 and describes mourning and rescue efforts in Nepal.
- Who
- The Indian Embassy in Beijing, families of missing Indian nationals and Chinese authorities are involved; the report also mentions Nepalese authorities and communities.
- What
- DNA samples are being requested to help identify Indian nationals missing after an August 26 mudslide and flash flood.
- When
- The disaster occurred on August 26; the Embassy announced the DNA process on Monday, and Nepal observed national mourning after a September 3 Cabinet decision.
- Where
- The DNA process involves the Indian Embassy in Beijing and Chinese authorities; the report separately identifies Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading in Nepal as flood-affected areas.
- Why
- DNA comparisons may help identify missing people and inform their families.
- DNA format
- Families must submit DNA STR data, with Y-STR data also required for males, in the internationally recognized CODIS format.
- Priority relatives
- Parents, spouses and children are prioritized; samples from multiple children are preferred where possible.
- Alternative relatives
- If parents or children are unavailable, samples from all siblings are preferred, followed if necessary by maternal or paternal relatives.
- Identification notification
- The Embassy said it will inform families if Chinese authorities confirm a DNA match.
- Contact phone
- +86 18514284905
- Contact email
- [email protected]
- Reported death toll
- The article says Nepal’s disaster death toll reached 1,356.