Nepal will preserve DNA samples and other identification evidence from flood victims whose remains have yet to be identified before they are buried or otherwise handled by the authorities, according to a report by The Kathmandu Post.
The decision follows severe flooding along the Bhotekoshi River five days ago, which caused a high number of deaths and widespread destruction to homes, infrastructure and property in areas along the river.
The worst-affected districts include Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading, where rescue teams have been dealing with the aftermath of the disaster.
The Kathmandu Post quoted Prime Minister Balendra Shah as saying the government would only take responsibility for unidentified bodies, while remains identified by relatives would be handed over to their families.
“Only unidentified bodies will be managed by the government after DNA samples and other evidence that could help determine their identities are preserved,” Shah reportedly said in a social media post on Saturday.
According to Shah, around 675 bodies had been recovered so far from several locations, including Rasuwa, Dhading, Nuwakot, Chitwan, Tanahun, Gorkha, East Nawalparasi and West Nawalparasi.
The preservation of DNA and other identifying evidence is intended to ensure families have a means of confirming the identities of victims whose remains cannot immediately be recognised.
Authorities continue to deal with the scale of the disaster as search, recovery and identification efforts remain ongoing across the affected areas.
