Authorities begin burying 229 unidentified Bhotekoshi flood victims

Authorities in Chitwan, Nepal, have begun the solemn task of burying 229 unidentified bodies recovered from a devastating flood. The decision, made on Saturday, comes as the remains continue to decompose, posing significant public health risks.

Of the 233 bodies recovered to date, only four have been positively identified. The remaining 229, along with other human remains, were found along riverbanks and kept at various holding centers and health facilities. Health experts warned that the advanced decomposition and resulting foul odor could lead to infections and outbreaks.

“

DNA samples will be collected from all the bodies before burial, and records will be maintained using identification numbers, as decided.

In an emergency measure to ensure safe, dignified, and lawful disposal, the District Security Committee, Chitwan, invoked the Unidentified and Unclaimed Bodies Management Directive. Before burial, DNA samples will be collected from each body. Unique identification numbers, recorded with steel plate tags, will be maintained to allow for future exhumation should relatives come forward with matching DNA.

The designated burial site is an open area in Devghat, within Bharatpur Metropolitan City. Inspector Anil Thapa of the Chitwan police confirmed that each body will have a unique identification number to facilitate potential future identification by relatives.

“

each of the bodies has a unique identification number with a tag in a steel plate so that relatives can exhume them once DNA matches.