403 Indian nationals cross into Nepal from China; forensics team from India begins work on DNA samples

On Sunday, an estimated 403 Indian nationals successfully crossed into Nepal from China, while 500 others remain in China and are reported safe, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). However, the MEA has not released any updates on the status of the missing Indians. As search and rescue operations in Nepal persisted for a fourth day, the ministry reported on Saturday that 275 Indian nationals and 128 individuals of Indian origin, primarily Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrims, were still unaccounted for.

On Sunday, the MEA shared a list of 149 people who had been rescued via its X handle. Additionally, a "19-member specialized forensics team from India" commenced operations in Kathmandu, with the objective of aiding DNA sample analysis to identify the remains of victims. India's Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, met with the forensics team and held discussions with officials from Nepal's Central Forensic Science Lab, along with the Forensics Department of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital.

Furthermore, the MEA mentioned that the Tunnel Rescue Operations Team continued its efforts, penetrating a tunnel near the Langtang hydroelectric project and retrieving one mortal remains despite challenging weather conditions. The team is set to continue its support near the Langtang hydroelectric project. Meanwhile, the death toll from flash floods in Nepal reached 788 as of Sunday, with numerous bodies still being recovered.

Authorities cautioned of rising water levels in the Bhotekoshi river and urged people in affected districts to remain vigilant. Over 2,500 individuals were declared missing, while 9,500 individuals were rescued, as per the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).