SATV, Kathmandu, Sept 29 -  Chinese experts and technical personnel who supported the DNA testing and forensic identification of victims of the Bhotekoshi flood have been honored for their contribution.

The Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) honored 15 Chinese experts who came to Nepal to assist in the DNA testing and forensic identification of people who lost their lives in the devastating flood.

At the ceremony, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Mahabir Pun presented certificates of appreciation to the Chinese experts and honored them with traditional Nepali khadas. Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming was also present at the event.

Addressing the ceremony, Minister Pun praised China's support in the DNA testing and forensic identification of the victims. He said the cooperation from China had enabled Nepal to complete a large number of DNA tests and forensic identification procedures within a short period. Minister Pun said that although Nepal has several government-run forensic laboratories, the country lacks sufficient resources, equipment and human resources to handle a large number of forensic examinations simultaneously. “We would not have been able to accomplish this work alone. China has provided significant support. I hope China will continue to extend its cooperation in similar disasters in the future,” he said.

Highlighting the close relations between Nepal and China, Minister Pun said the two countries should work together during times of disaster.

He also emphasized the need for Chinese support in building and upgrading forensic laboratories and strengthening Nepal’s forensic capabilities in the coming days. Minister Pun also said that floods and landslides had affected the Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi border , as well as the Korala border, creating difficulties in the import of goods from China. He stressed the need for both countries to prioritize the Rasuwagadhi border  and bring it back into full operation as soon as possible. He said Nepal also expected continued support from China for the restoration of the Rasuwagadhi border to its previous operational capacity.

Minister Pun added that Nepali experts and technicians had gained valuable knowledge and experience through their cooperation with the Chinese specialists.

China Pledges Continued Cooperation Speaking at the ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming said Nepal and China should work together during times of disaster and expressed a commitment to continued cooperation between the two countries.

Thanking the Government of Nepal and NAST for the recognition, Ambassador Zhang said that the technologies and laboratory equipment brought from China for DNA testing and forensic identification had also been handed over to the Government of Nepal.  

He said China would continue to support Nepal in further upgrading the laboratory in the future. He added that China would continue to assist the Government of Nepal in developing its capacity to provide advanced DNA testing and forensic services through the use of Chinese technology and equipment, further strengthening the close relationship between the two countries.

Ambassador Zhang also said that China had sent relief and rescue materials to Nepal using six aircraft during the disaster. He further stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping had expressed deep concern over the damage caused by the disaster in Nepal.

NAST Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Janardan Lamichhane said Nepali experts had gained valuable knowledge and experience through their collaboration with the Chinese specialists. He expressed confidence that the cooperation would contribute to scientific research and investigation in Nepal in the future. He emphasized the need to organize joint programs and activities involving Chinese experts and Nepali scientists to further strengthen Nepal’s scientific and technical capacity.

NAST spokesperson and Senior Scientific Officer Ram Chandra Poudel briefed the ceremony on the methods and procedures adopted by the Chinese and Nepali experts during the DNA testing process. 

According to Poudel, samples of bones and teeth were collected from a total of 1,426 bodies. Of these, 926 samples, were collected and sent to NAST for DNA testing, he said.

NAST said the cooperation between Chinese experts and Nepali scientists in DNA testing and forensic identification had helped make the process of identifying victims of the disaster more systematic and scientifically robust.