Latvia plans to assist Nepal after a massive natural disaster by sending mobile refrigeration units for storing the deceased. Additionally, it is expected to provide sets and materials for conducting DNA tests.
As reported by the advisor to the Minister of the Interior of Latvia, a request for mobile refrigeration units has already been activated under the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism.
The minimum capacity of each such unit should allow for the storage of the bodies of at least five deceased individuals.
In addition to refrigeration equipment, Latvia plans to send sets and necessary materials for conducting DNA testing to Nepal. This is especially important in the context of a large number of fatalities and missing persons, where the identification of victims may be complicated.
According to Ratniece, if new requests for assistance come from Nepal, the Ministry of the Interior will assess whether Latvia has the necessary resources to fulfill them.
Thousands Dead and Missing
As previously reported, on August 26, the collapse of a glacier triggered a powerful flow of ice debris. As a result, water and mud surged from the glacial lake, causing widespread destruction in Nepal and China.
As of the morning of August 31, at least 900 fatalities were confirmed. Approximately 4,200 people were reported missing.
Among the Missing are 33 People from Latvia
A large group of tourists from Latvia was near the epicenter of the disaster, whose trip was organized by yoga enthusiasts from Yantra.
Several other Latvian tourists were in the disaster zone as part of a group from the local travel company Mighty Himalayan Trek.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is aware of three residents of Latvia who were in the region during the natural disaster but were not harmed by the mudflow caused by the flooding.
At the same time, 33 individuals from Latvia are currently considered missing.
Against the backdrop of the enormous number of casualties and ongoing searches, Latvia is now preparing to assist not only in establishing the fate of its citizens but also in addressing one of the most challenging issues following the disaster — the storage and identification of the deceased bodies.
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