China notifies embassies of DNA collection steps for missing foreigners in border mudslide: spokesperson

BEIJING, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- China has informed relevant countries' embassies in China of the procedures for DNA information collection from relatives of missing foreign nationals following the recent deadly mudslide on the China-Nepal border, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday.

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks when asked to provide an update on the status of the search for the missing foreign nationals.

Guo said once the remains of the foreign nationals are found and after their identity is confirmed, the relevant embassy will be contacted to communicate follow-up arrangements.

He added that authorities in Xizang Autonomous Region in southwest China have opened a hotline for families of the missing foreign nationals and will provide them with timely assistance.