Families of Latvians missing in Nepal face legal difficulties

Fifteen families whose relatives disappeared in a recent catastrophic flood in Nepal have turned to the Latvian Council of Sworn Advocates for legal assistance.

The problems families face

Most of the help needed relates to paying various bills and loan installments, as well as children's access to their parents' bank accounts — for example, to cover tuition costs. Such legal complications arise because a missing person has not yet been officially declared deceased, which makes it difficult for relatives to access their finances and manage related matters.

Foreign Ministry response

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that DNA samples from relatives have been sent to China and Nepal to assist with identification efforts. However, no new information has been received about the 33 Latvian travelers who remain missing.

The situation shows that beyond the emotional burden, families of those missing in Nepal's catastrophic flood must also navigate complicated practical and legal issues to keep their daily lives running.