In Nepal werden unbekannte Leichen begraben, um sie später zu identifizieren.

Nepali expatriates gathered in Manali on Thursday night for a candlelight march to show solidarity with flood victims in Nepal. The demonstration, organized by local community groups, aimed to raise awareness about the ongoing humanitarian crisis and call for urgent relief efforts. Participants held candles and chanted slogans demanding better support for affected families, particularly those who lost loved ones in the recent flash floods. The floods, which struck Nepal on Wednesday, were triggered by a sudden glacier collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border. This led to torrential rains and massive amounts of water, mud, and debris rushing down the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers. The resulting deluge devastated several districts, destroying homes, roads, bridges, and infrastructure. Bodies of the deceased were carried as far as neighboring states in India, including Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. As of Sunday, the death toll stood at 734, with more than 2,500 people still missing. In response to the overwhelming number of casualties, Nepal’s authorities have taken measures to manage the recovery and identification process. With mortuaries and temporary holding centers overflowing, officials have begun burying unidentified bodies to prevent further decomposition and health risks. This decision follows warnings from health experts about the dangers posed by the growing number of unclaimed remains, which are emitting foul odors and increasing the likelihood of disease outbreaks. Chitwan district, one of the hardest-hit areas, has recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 259 bodies recovered. Only four of these have been identified by family members, leaving the rest to be buried under the government’s new directive. Similar challenges have been faced in Nawalparasi East, where 184 bodies have been recovered, and only a few have been claimed by relatives. In Nawalparasi West, 82 bodies were found, and in Gorkha, 58. Other heavily affected districts include Nuwakot with 52, Dhading with 50, Tanahun with 36, and Rasuwa with 13. To ensure future identification, authorities have implemented procedures to collect DNA samples and assign unique identifiers to each body. Forensic teams are working alongside police and medical professionals to gather physical evidence such as photographs, clothing, jewelry, and personal documents. Each body is assigned a tracking number, allowing for potential matches with missing persons' reports or DNA submissions from relatives. A 40-member medical team, including forensic pathologists and dental surgeons, is actively engaged in this process. Nepal Police has also launched an online database to help track and identify victims. Through a dedicated page on social media platform X, citizens can access information about recovered bodies, particularly those from Rasuwa district. A QR code enables users to scan and retrieve detailed records, including the date of burial and the location of graves. This initiative aims to streamline the identification process and provide closure to grieving families. As the situation continues to evolve, the focus remains on balancing immediate public health concerns with long-term identification efforts. While the government has prioritized burying unclaimed bodies to control the spread of disease, it has also committed to maintaining comprehensive records that may aid in future identification. Prime Minister Balendra Shah emphasized that bodies identified by families will be returned to their relatives, underscoring the importance of respecting cultural and familial ties during this challenging time.