Canada Collects DNA to Identify Missing Himalayan Flood Victims

A glacier collapse on August 26 triggered catastrophic flash floods in the Himalayan border region between Nepal and China, killing more than 1,100 people and leaving approximately 4,400 missing. While one Canadian citizen was found safe, 29 others remain unaccounted for.

Global Affairs Canada has deployed 10 officials to Kathmandu to coordinate identification efforts with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and authorities in Nepal and China. The agency is currently collecting DNA samples from the families of the missing Canadians to assist in the recovery process. The urgency of the effort is highlighted by reports from Kathmandu, where police have buried dozens of unidentified bodies in trenches due to the high volume of casualties.

The disaster has had a significant impact on international travelers. The Nepal Tourism Board reported on September 1 that over 580 foreign nationals remain missing, though 330 have been rescued. In the Nuwakot district, residents of Bidur have installed a zipline to commute across the Trishuli river after the floods destroyed existing infrastructure.