10 days after Nepal flash floods, DNA profiling of missing relatives begins in Thanjavur

10 days after Nepal flash floods, DNA profiling of missing relatives begins in Thanjavur 

Deepak.Karthik@timesofindia.com  06.09.2026

Trichy: Ten days after flash floods in Nepal left several Tamil Nadu tourists untraceable, DNA profiling of their first-degree relatives began at Thanjavur Medical College Hospital on Saturday. In the first phase, family members of 23 missing tourists gave blood samples for profiling. The autosomal STR DNA profiles of the relatives are expected to be shared online with Nepali authorities within 3-5 days for comparison with DNA profiles obtained from unidentified mortal remains of the flood victims. 

The profiling is being carried out through the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) at Pillayarpatti near Thanjavur. A dedicated team at Thanjavur Medical College Hospital is collecting blood samples from relatives between 10am and 4pm. “We have not set any deadlines for the camp. As long as the family members of the missing tourists show up, the camp shall continue,” Dr E Manimekala, dean, Thanjavur Medical College Hospital, told TOI. On the first day, 23 relatives of 23 tourists who have been missing since the August 26 Nepal flash floods gave their samples. The missing tourists hail from Karur, Trichy, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Mayiladuthurai districts. Officials said some relatives had enquired about giving samples in the next few days, while others who were unaware of the development were expected to visit the hospital on Sunday. 

“A few are reluctant to appear for the DNA profiling, which indirectly acknowledges that their family members could have been killed in the floods. Families still believe that the missing people shall be traced,” an official said. About 85 tourists from Tamil Nadu, who were part of different Kailash Mansarovar tour groups, remain untraceable. At least 16 of them are from Thanjavur district. Collector R Revathi said the Thanjavur district administration was in touch with the families and coordinating with authorities to plan further action.