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The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has issued details of the process for identifying and repatriating the mortal remains of victims of the recent flash floods in Nepal, which have claimed more than 1,000 lives.

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As per the Government of Nepal, the following steps will be required for handing over the mortal remains of foreign nationals:

The first four steps, documentation, recording photographs and details, post-mortem examination, and verification of the cause of death, will be carried out by Nepali authorities.

If relatives are able to identify the mortal remains through photographs and descriptions published on the Nepal Police website, the Embassy of India in Kathmandu will help coordinate with local authorities for the handover and repatriation process.

The Nepal government has temporarily interred a large number of mortal remains to prevent health risks. Identification of these remains will require DNA matching with first-degree relatives.

Also Read: Nepal rescue operation: Flash flood toll surpasses 950 as rescuers struggle through mud and debris

Where identification is not possible, or where the mortal remains have been temporarily interred, the Nepal government will facilitate DNA matching.

Nepali authorities are collecting DNA samples from the mortal remains to create their DNA profiles. First-degree relatives of those reported missing can either send their DNA profiles by email to Nepal Police or provide blood samples along with preliminary information required by the authorities.

For assistance from the Indian Embassy, relatives can also copy their DNA profiles to the embassy's flood-support email address.

Further details on DNA profiling are available through the Nepal Police website and its helpline.