UPDATE | Nepal floods: Six South Africans remain missing
· The South African
Six South African nationals remain unaccounted for following devastating flash floods in Nepal, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) confirmed on Thursday.
The latest update comes as authorities continue efforts to identify victims and establish the whereabouts of those still missing after the disaster.
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DIRCO said it had arranged with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to collect DNA profiles from biological relatives of the six missing South Africans.
The move followed a formal request from the Nepalese government for assistance with the identification process.
The DNA profiles were collected through the Victim Identification Centre, under the SAPS Division: Detectives and Forensic Services.
They have subsequently been sent to authorities in Nepal and to Interpol in Kathmandu.
No word yet on missing South Africans
Despite the identification efforts, there is still no confirmation regarding the fate or whereabouts of any of the six South African nationals.
“Regrettably, there is still no confirmation from the authorities in Nepal or China/Tibet regarding any of the six South African nationals,” DIRCO said.
The department said it would continue monitoring developments and remain in contact with the affected families.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates to the families as more information becomes available,” DIRCO said.
South African missions assisting
South African diplomatic missions in New Delhi, India, and Beijing, China, are also liaising with their respective host countries as authorities coordinate their response to the disaster.
The diplomatic efforts form part of a wider international response following the devastating flash floods, with authorities working to locate missing people and identify victims.
For the families of the six South Africans, there remains no confirmation – and no answers – as the identification process continues.
DIRCO said it would provide further updates as soon as more information becomes available.