Nepal-Tibet floods: Singapore sends 19-member Disaster Victim Identification team to Nepal, collects DNA samples from families of missing

A 19-man Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) contingent from Singapore has departed for Nepal to support local authorities there in their disaster relief efforts after deadly floods tore through the Nepal-China border a week ago (Aug 26). 

The deployment, which comes in response to Nepal's request for technical help, comprises 17 officers from the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and two officers from the Health Sciences Authority's (HSA) Forensic Medicine Division, SPF said in a statement on Wednesday (Sept 2).

The officers departed in two batches, on Sept 1 and 2. The advance team was sent off at Changi Airport by Second Minister for Home Affairs Sim Ann on Tuesday. 

The police also said they plan to deploy another team of 14 officers over the next few days to further bolster relief efforts.

In total, the 33-member contingent, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Patrick Tan, has capabilities in DVI operations and aerial surveillance.

DNA samples collected from families of missing Singaporeans

The police are also collecting DNA samples from the next-of-kin of the nine Singaporeans reported missing following the deadly Aug 26 floods.

They have been identified as Rengarajan Prabu, Shalinny Deavy Elan Sozan, Subramaniam Diraviam, Rajesvaran Ayyavoo, Estee Loeh, Ghosh Aditi, Ng Kit Kuen, Shubakshi Rawla and Sumit Rawla.

According to the police, the collection of DNA samples forms part of the DVI process. 

"These samples may assist in the identification of victims, and form part of Singapore's efforts to support the Nepali authorities in their ongoing disaster relief and victim identification operations," a police spokesperson explained.

The spokesperson added that the police are unable to provide further details as the process is ongoing and involves the families of the affected individuals.

Nepali officials on Aug 31 said DNA samples had been collected from the unidentified dead, allowing them to locate and exhume remains if victims are identified later through family claims, official records or genetic testing.

@asiaone The police also said that they are collecting DNA samples from the next-of-kin of the nine Singaporeans reported missing following the deadly Aug 26 floods. #sgnews #Singapore #nepal #Tibet #Flood #Disaster ♬ original sound - AsiaOne

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