By Zuko Komisa

- Six South African nationals remain unaccounted for following severe flash floods in Nepal.
- The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has facilitated the collection of DNA profiles from biological relatives via the SAPS.
- Diplomatic missions across New Delhi and Beijing are actively coordinating with local authorities and Interpol to aid the search.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has confirmed that six South African nationals remain unaccounted for following devastating flash floods in Nepal. Responding to a formal request from the Nepalese government, DIRCO coordinated with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to gather DNA profiles from the families of the missing individuals.
The biological samples were collected through the Victim Identification Centre under the SAPS Division for Detectives and Forensic Services, and have since been dispatched to police authorities in Nepal and Interpol in Kathmandu. Meanwhile, South African diplomatic missions in New Delhi and Beijing are liaising directly with host governments to assist with rescue and recovery efforts.
Reiterating the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the search, DIRCO stated:
“Regrettably, there is still no confirmation from the authorities in Nepal or China/Tibet regarding any of the six South African nationals. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates to the families as more information becomes available.”
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