Following the recent devastating flash floods in Nepal, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) confirms that six South African nationals are still unaccounted for.

In response to a formal request from the Nepalese government, DIRCO has arranged with the South African Police Service (SAPS), specifically the Victim Identification Centre under the Division: Detectives and Forensic Services, for the collection and coordination of DNA profiles from the biological relatives of the missing individuals. The DNA profiles have been sent to the police in Nepal and to Interpol in Kathmandu.

South African diplomatic missions in New Delhi, India, and Beijing, China, are also liaising with their respective host countries in an effort to coordinate the response to this disaster.

Regrettably, there is still no confirmation from the authorities in Nepal or China 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.

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

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