Canada mobilises DNA collection to identify citizens missing after Himalayan flash flood

A glacier collapse on Aug. 26 triggered a flash flood in the Himalayan border area between Nepal and China, causing more than 1,100 deaths and leaving roughly 4,400 people missing. Global Affairs Canada announced that it is now collecting DNA from the families of the 29 Canadians still listed as missing, with assistance from the RCMP and police forces in both countries. The agency has ten officials stationed in Kathmandu and has set up contact points for the relatives.

While one Canadian has been located safe, the Nepal Tourism Board reported that over 580 foreign nationals remain unaccounted for, with another 330 rescued. Local authorities are conducting mass burials of unidentified bodies, and search, recovery, and identification operations continue under Nepali and Chinese leadership, with Canada offering support.