The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has shared details regarding the identification and repatriation of mortal remains of victims of the recent flash floods in Nepal. The Embassy said that, as per the Government of Nepal, several steps are required for handing over the mortal remains of foreign nationals.

These include documentation of the mortal remains, recording photographs and details, post-mortem examination, verification of the cause of death, formal identification, collection of fingerprints, DNA and other forensic samples, verification of the deceased person’s passport or identity document, and completion of Embassy or consular coordination.

The Embassy said that if relatives and family members are able to identify the mortal remains through photographs and descriptions available on the Nepal Police website, it will assist in coordinating with local authorities for the handover and repatriation of the mortal remains. It added that the Government of Nepal has carried out temporary interment of a large number of mortal remains to prevent health risks. The identification of such remains would require DNA matching with first-degree relatives.

In cases where identification is not possible or the mortal remains have been temporarily interred, the Government will facilitate DNA matching. The Embassy said that people requiring assistance can contact the Embassy on the helpline at +977 985 131 6807, +977 970 910 7500, and +977 981 032 6117.