Malaysia is awaiting approval from the Nepalese government to send DNA experts to help identify the remains of victims following the devastating floods and landslides in the country.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Malaysia had submitted a request to deploy the experts, with DNA identification expected to begin after search and rescue (SAR) operations are completed.
He said the expertise would be needed to match DNA samples taken from recovered remains with samples provided by the families of Malaysian nationals who remain missing.
“There are remains that have been found but were immediately buried because they do not have sufficient facilities.
“We need DNA to match them with DNA samples from the families of Malaysian nationals. The process will be carried out after the SAR operation is completed,” he said at a press conference following a luncheon held in conjunction with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow’s working visit here today.
Mohamad said samples from the next of kin of all 55 Malaysians who remain unaccounted for following the floods and landslides in Nepal had been collected as of Saturday.
Meanwhile, he said the Malaysian Special Search and Rescue Team (SMART), which is currently travelling to the ground zero area, would assist Nepalese authorities in efforts to locate victims who have yet to be found.
Malaysia hopes the team’s presence will help strengthen ongoing search efforts for those still classified as missing, he added.
The 11-member SMART MAS01 team taking part in the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission to Nepal arrived safely at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu at noon local time yesterday.
The National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) said the team completed arrival procedures and mission protocols at about 4.30pm local time, including logistics clearance and verification of its personnel list.
The team comprises 11 SMART officers and personnel carrying 12.4 tonnes of SAR equipment, including rescue gear, detection devices, communication systems, high-capacity drones and specialised equipment for tunnel rescue operations.
The team also brought along a four-wheel-drive vehicle and a 10-tonne cargo truck.
