GANDAKI: DNA samples from 25 relatives have been collected in Pokhara so far to identify the bodies of victims who died in the Bhote Koshi flood on August 26.
According to Superintendent of Police (SP) Nabin Karki, Chief of the District Police Office, Kaski, DNA collection from relatives is ongoing to assist in searching for the missing and identifying the recovered bodies. He stated that receiving applications, securing consent forms, and collecting blood samples are being managed through an integrated process at the District Police Office.
Out of 102 bodies brought to the Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences for post-mortem examinations and identification, 76 were buried. Meanwhile, 21 bodies were identified and handed over to their families, and five bodies remain at the hospital.
SP Karki informed that preparations are underway to bury the remaining unidentifiable bodies as well. Because DNA samples were secured from the buried bodies prior to interment, police are continuing to collect matching samples from visiting relatives.
The DNA samples extracted from the bodies have been sent to the National Forensic Science Laboratory. Police noted that the burials were conducted systematically so that if a relative’s DNA matches a profile later, the body can be identified and handed over.
Following the disaster, bodies recovered along the banks of the Trishuli and Narayani Rivers were brought to Pokhara due to a shortage of space for storage and examinations in the respective districts.
Overall, 41 bodies from Navalpur, 27 from Dhading, 23 from Tanahun, and 11 from Gorkha were transferred to Pokhara for identification and post-mortem procedures.
