DNA Testing Underway in Search for Six South Africans Missing After Nepal Floods
- DIRCO confirmed on 10 September 2026 that six South Africans have been missing since devastating floods struck the Nepal-Tibet region on 26 August
- DNA profiles collected from biological relatives of the missing nationals have been submitted to Nepalese police and Interpol in Kathmandu
- South African diplomatic missions in New Delhi and Beijing are now involved in coordinating the search response
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SOUTH AFRICA — Six South Africans who disappeared following catastrophic flash floods in the Nepal-Tibet region on 26 August 2026 remain missing, with DNA testing now central to identifying any victims recovered in the disaster zone.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) confirmed on Thursday, 10 September 2026, that neither Nepalese nor Chinese/Tibetan authorities have provided any information about the whereabouts of the six nationals.
DNA evidence submitted to Interpol
In response to a formal request from the Nepalese government for assistance in identifying those affected by the flooding, DIRCO enlisted the SAPS Victim Identification Centre, which operates under the Division: Detectives and Forensic Services, to collect DNA samples from the biological relatives of the missing South Africans.
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Those profiles have since been forwarded to Nepalese police and Interpol in Kathmandu. The data could allow investigators to determine whether any unidentified remains recovered from the disaster zone belong to the missing group.
SA missions step up diplomatic efforts
South Africa has widened its diplomatic response, with missions in New Delhi, India, and Beijing, China, now actively engaging with local authorities to help coordinate the search. The involvement of the Beijing mission reflects ongoing uncertainty about what may have happened to the South Africans on the Chinese/Tibetan side of the border region.
DIRCO said it has maintained contact with the families of the missing nationals throughout the ordeal and intends to keep them informed as the situation develops.
"We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates to the families as more information becomes available," the department said.
The families have been waiting for answers since the floods struck nearly three weeks ago, with no confirmed news about whether any of the six survived.
Two workers rescued after 9 days of the Nepal flood
Briefly News also posted good news when two workers were pulled alive from a collapsed hydropower tunnel in Nepal after spending nine days trapped underground following catastrophic flooding in the region. Rescuers reached the men at the Trishuli 3A hydropower construction site on Friday after hearing voices coming from inside the tunnel that morning. The sounds helped teams pinpoint the exact location of the survivors. Both were identified as mechanical workers, one a foreman and the other a supervisor.
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Source: Briefly News
