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

At least 403 Indian nationals crossed into Nepal from China on Sunday, while a further 500 Indians remain safe in China, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The MEA did not provide updates on the remaining missing Indians. On Saturday, search and rescue operations were in their fourth day, with 275 Indian nationals and 128 people of Indian origin still missing.

The MEA shared a list of 149 people who had been rescued on Sunday. Additionally, a 19-member specialized forensics team from India commenced operations in Kathmandu on Sunday. The team aims to assist in the analysis of DNA samples to aid in the identification of victims' remains. The Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, met with the forensics team after they held discussions with counterparts from Nepal's Central Forensic Science Lab and the Forensics Department at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital.

Meanwhile, the Tunnel Rescue Operations Team continued its efforts, entering a tunnel near the Langtang hydroelectric project and retrieving one person's remains despite challenging weather conditions. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) reported the death toll from flash floods in Nepal reaching 788 as of Sunday, with numerous bodies still being recovered.

Over 2,500 people remain missing, while 9,500 have been rescued. Authorities warned of rising water levels in the Bhotekoshi river and advised residents and rescue personnel to remain vigilant. India has supplied 68.5 tonnes of relief materials and dispatched technical teams, forensic experts, and equipment to support search and rescue operations in Nepal.