After days of managing flood victims, Bharatpur Hospital returns to treating patients

Bharatpur Hospital had prepared for a surge of injured flood survivors. Instead, bodies began arriving from the Narayani and Trishuli rivers, overwhelming the morgue and pulling staff away from routine medical care.

The hospital serves Chitwan and 22 surrounding districts. Its morgue has 24 refrigerated compartments, but only five were vacant when officials learned that about 20 more bodies were on their way. Authorities then created a temporary collection center at the Chitwan Association of Industries.

Forensic teams photographed the bodies, recorded personal belongings and other identifying evidence, and collected DNA samples before transferring the remains. Authorities buried 199 unidentified bodies in Chitwan over two days, including 103 on Sunday and 96 the day before.

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From Monday, patients have again been able to receive services in the usual numbers.

The burials freed enough space for doctors and health workers to return to regular services by Monday. “From Monday, patients have again been able to receive services in the usual numbers,” medical superintendent Bishwobandhu Bagale said.

Chitwan recorded the highest number of recovered bodies among the affected districts, with 321. Across Nepal and neighboring India, authorities had recovered 1,056 bodies by Tuesday afternoon, while 4,606 people remained missing. Nationwide, 684 unidentified bodies had been temporarily buried after forensic and identification procedures were completed.

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We knew some bodies might be swept downstream, but we thought perhaps 20 or 25 would arrive. We were not prepared to handle anything on this scale.