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Limited DNA Analysis Capacity Delays Identification of Victims in Nepal Disasters

In the wake of severe floods and landslides, forensic identification in Nepal is facing critical bottlenecks as the National Forensic Science Laboratory (NSFL) struggles with a lack of localized DNA testing capacity and overflowing mortuaries.

Nilakshi Barman | | 2 min read

Limited DNA Analysis Capacity Delays Identification of Victims in Nepal Disasters
Image courtesy: TOI

In Brief:

  1. Capacity Shortage: Nepal’s central laboratories are overwhelmed by thousands of DNA samples collected from unidentified remains and grieving family members.
  2. Temporary Burials: Due to rapidly decomposing remains and full morgues, authorities have begun performing temporary, geotagged burials after collecting baseline DNA samples.
  3. International Support: Neighboring nations—including India and China—have deployed forensic experts and extended laboratory assistance to process profiles for foreign and local victims.

Nepal's disaster response authorities are facing severe bottlenecks in identifying hundreds of victims recovered from recent catastrophic flash floods and landslides, primarily due to limited domestic DNA analysis capacity. With mortuaries in major cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Bharatpur reaching maximum capacity, the National Forensic Science Laboratory (NSFL) has seen thousands of biological samples queue up for automated CODIS software matching.

To handle the growing backlog and prevent health hazards from decomposing remains, local authorities have begun implementing temporary, geotagged interments. Each recovered body is assigned a tracking number, photographed, and sampled for autosomal STR DNA before being buried in designated sites. Meanwhile, specialized forensic teams from India and China are assisting Nepali officials by establishing international DNA sample collection frameworks to help bring closure to searching families.

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