Six South Africans still missing in Nepal floods

DNA identification efforts are under way for six South Africans still unaccounted for following devastating flash floods in Nepal, the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco) confirmed on Thursday.

Dirco said there had still been no word on the whereabouts of the six nationals from authorities in either Nepal or China/Tibet.

DNA profiles collected from biological relatives of the missing South Africans have now been sent to Nepalese police and Interpol in Kathmandu to assist with identification efforts.

The process was initiated following a formal request from the Nepalese government, with Dirco enlisting the SAPS Victim Identification Centre, under the Division: Detectives and Forensic Services, to co-ordinate the collection of samples.

The development marks a significant step in efforts to establish what happened to the six South Africans as authorities continue responding to the aftermath of the floods.

South Africa has also widened its diplomatic response, with its missions in New Delhi and Beijing engaging their respective host governments in an effort to co-ordinate the response to the disaster.

The involvement of the Beijing mission comes as South African authorities also await information from China/Tibet on the missing nationals.

Dirco said it would continue monitoring the situation and communicating directly with the affected families as more information became available.