POKHARA: A total of 102 bodies recovered from Nawalpur, Dhading, Tanahun and Gorkha districts following the flash floods have been brought to Pokhara for identification and management.
Of these, 16 bodies were identified and handed over to their respective families on Monday. The remaining bodies, which are in an unrecognisable condition, are being prepared for burial in accordance with legal procedures, according to Kaski Chief District Officer Kuman Singh Gurung.
The devastating floods on August 26 caused extensive damage to infrastructure and settlements along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers, resulting in significant loss of life and property.
“We are going to manage the remaining bodies that are in an entirely unrecognisable condition,” Gurung said. He added that the bodies would be buried only after completing the required legal and scientific procedures, including the collection of DNA samples.
If DNA samples later match those of people claiming the bodies, the remains can be exhumed and handed over to the respective relatives.
The unidentified bodies will be buried in accordance with the Directive Relating to the Management of Unidentified and Unattended Bodies. Authorities said all bodies kept at the hospitals have been examined. People visiting the hospitals are being shown photographs of the recovered bodies to help them identify their missing relatives. Some relatives have been attempting to identify their loved ones from the photographs.
The district administration has also been providing food and accommodation to distressed relatives. A help desk has been established on the hospital premises to assist families in identifying the bodies.
However, identifying bodies that have been carried by floodwaters for a prolonged period has proved challenging.
Of the 102 bodies brought to Pokhara, 41 were recovered from Nawalpur, 27 from Dhading, 23 from Tanahun and 11 from Gorkha. The bodies have been kept at Pokhara Institute of Health Sciences and Manipal Teaching Hospital.
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