NATIONAL NEWS - The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) confirmed on Thursday that six South Africans remain missing following the deadly flash floods in Nepal.
At the request of the Nepalese government, DIRCO worked with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to collect DNA profiles from biological relatives of the missing South Africans.
The samples were collected through the Victim Identification Centre within the SAPS Division: Detectives and Forensic Services.
The DNA profiles have since been sent to police in Nepal and to Interpol in Kathmandu to assist with the identification process.
Diplomatic missions monitoring developments
South African diplomatic missions in New Delhi, India, and Beijing, China, are also liaising with the respective host countries as authorities coordinate their response to the disaster.
DIRCO said there has, however, been no confirmation regarding the whereabouts 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,” the department said.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates to the families as more information becomes available.”
Source: DIRCO / SAnews.gov.za
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