Relatives urged to provide DNA samples for missing Latvians in Nepal
Saturday 29th August 2026 on 18:45 in
Latvia
First-degree relatives of Latvian nationals missing in Nepal are being asked to voluntarily provide DNA samples to Latvia’s State Police Forensic Administration, LSM reported, citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The ministry said it has information on 33 Latvian nationals in the region affected by the disaster, but no information is currently available about them. Rescue operations are continuing, while the region has no telephone communications or internet access.
Latvia’s honorary consul in Nepal said only some of the people found dead in the flood-affected region have been identified. The remaining bodies are being kept in temporary storage facilities and hospitals.
Many of the dead can no longer be identified because of the condition of the remains, while continued storage poses a risk of infection and epidemics. The responsible authority in Chitwan district has therefore decided to bury the remains with dignity. DNA samples will be taken and registered from each body before burial.
To help identify Latvian nationals more quickly if necessary, their first-degree relatives, including parents and children, can provide DNA samples at the State Police Forensic Administration.
Samples can be provided at several locations in Latvia from Sunday, August 30. Relatives must first contact State Police forensic officials to identify themselves and arrange a time and place. They should bring an identity document.
Contact numbers for providing samples:
Riga and the Riga region: 67208733
Vidzeme region: 64201342
Courland region: 63404585
Zemgale region: 29211621
Latgale region: 65403306
The Foreign Ministry said Nepal’s Tourism Department has published information on 29 Latvian citizens considered missing after the recent natural disaster. No Latvian nationals are currently among the names of people reported rescued.
Because the list contains errors and does not include everyone, Latvia’s honorary consul in Nepal is in contact with the responsible services to have it corrected and expanded. According to Latvia’s foreign service, there is currently no information about 33 Latvian nationals in the disaster-affected region.