Canada collecting DNA from families of 29 Canadians missing after Nepal-China floods

The Canadian government says Global Affairs Canada is working with the families of 29 Canadians still missing after a devastating flash flood in the Himalayan border region between Nepal and China.

Federal officials said DNA samples are being collected from relatives to help with the identification process, with support from the RCMP and police authorities in Nepal and China.

The Aug. 26 disaster, triggered by a glacier collapse, killed more than 1,100 people and left about 4,400 others missing. One Canadian has been found safe, while the remaining 29 are believed to have been in the affected region.

Nepali authorities have buried dozens of unidentified bodies in Kathmandu as they struggle to manage and identify the victims. The Nepal Tourism Board reported that more than 580 foreign nationals and tourists remained unaccounted for as of Sept. 1, while about 330 had been rescued.

Global Affairs Canada has 10 officials in Kathmandu and has established contact with the families of the missing Canadians. Canadian officials say search, recovery and identification efforts are being led by authorities in Nepal and China, with Canada offering assistance. Canada is sending more than 18,000 emergency relief items to Nepal from emergency stockpiles managed by the Canadian Red Cross.

The supplies include shelter kits and tools, hygiene products and solar lights to support communities affected by the disaster.

Canada has also provided $5 million in humanitarian assistance to help fund emergency relief and response efforts in Nepal.