Nepal flood: S’pore police getting DNA samples from relatives of missing S’poreans to identify bodies

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) is gathering DNA samples from relatives of the nine Singaporean citizens still unaccounted for amid the Nepal floods. These individuals, whose identification is critical, include Rengarajan Prabu, Shalinny Deavy Elan Sozan, Subramaniam Diraviam, Rajesvaran Ayyavoo, Estee Loeh, Ghosh Aditi, Ng Kit Kuen, Shubakshi Rawla, and Sumit Rawla.

All nine have been missing since August 26, when torrential rains caused devastating flash floods in Tibet and Nepal. As of September 2, the death toll had surpassed 1,100, with 3,900 still missing, while close to 12,000 people have been rescued. A SPF spokesperson confirmed the collection of DNA samples from the next of kin, stating that these samples will aid in the identification process and highlight Singapore's commitment to supporting Nepal's relief efforts.

Family members of the missing individuals were informed that the samples would be collected on September 2; for instance, Shalinny Sozan's daughter will provide a sample. Shalinny, a 40-year-old staff member of the State Courts, expressed her willingness to give a DNA sample, acknowledging the uncontrollable nature of the situation.

The Nepal Police have already initiated DNA testing on recovered bodies and have requested DNA profiles from the relatives of the missing, which should be submitted to an authorized lab. The information required includes the full name, nationality, relationship, and relevant details of the missing person, such as passport and last-known location.

Singapore's Foreign Ministry has pledged support by sending a specialized team of officers to assist in victim identification, as well as civilian and military supplies, and an SGD 100,000 contribution to the Singapore Red Cross' fundraising initiative. Over SGD 1 million has been raised through the Red Cross' campaigns. Nepal has also requested high-capacity drones from Singapore and China.

Rescue operations continue, and bodies are being recovered from riverbanks and even from India, more than 160 kilometers away from the flood's origin. Once a DNA match is found, these bodies are buried in mass graves, marked for potential re-exhumation if a living relative is identified.