KATHMANDU: A total of 229 unidentified bodies recovered in Chitwan after being swept downstream by the Bhotekoshi floods in Rasuwa will be buried to prevent the risk of infection and disease outbreaks.
A meeting of the Chitwan District Security Committee on Saturday decided to bury the bodies after they began decomposing, according to Chief District Officer Ganesh Aryal.
Authorities have recovered 233 bodies and human remains from the banks of the Narayani and Trishuli rivers in Chitwan. Only four have been identified so far, while the remaining 229 are being kept at holding centers and various health facilities.
Officials said the bodies have started decomposing, with some reaching a condition in which identification is no longer possible. Health experts advised authorities to bury the unidentified remains due to the growing risk of infection and a potential public health crisis.
The administration said the bodies will be disposed of in a dignified, safe and legally prescribed manner.
DNA samples will be collected from all the bodies and records maintained using identification codes before burial. The burial process will begin Saturday at an open site in Devghat, Bharatpur Metropolitan City-1.
The District Administration Office said the decision was taken as a necessary measure under the Unidentified and Unclaimed Bodies Management (First Amendment) Directive, 2083.
The administration has urged all concerned to cooperate and help disseminate information during the crisis, while apologizing to bereaved families for the inconvenience caused by the extraordinary circumstances.
