Along with the rescue efforts after the devastating floods in Nepal, another deep humanitarian crisis has come to the fore. Out of the 233 bodies recovered in the Chitwan area, only four have been identified so far. The remaining 229 bodies have decomposed and been damaged so much that it has become difficult to identify them, according to the local administration.

A statement from the Chitwan District Administration Office on Saturday said that most of the bodies and remains recovered from different places have decomposed to such a state that normal identification is not possible. Currently, these bodies are kept in various holding centers and health institutions.

According to the administration, if the bodies are not brought under management quickly, further decomposition and stench may spread. There is also a risk of infection or epidemic.

In this situation, the Chitwan District Administration has decided on alternative arrangements for unidentified and unclaimed bodies. It has been informed that arrangements will be made for the burial or cremation of these bodies at a designated open place in Devghat, Ward No. 1 of Bharatpur Metropolitan City from Saturday.

However, arrangements are being made to ensure that the bodies do not remain permanently unidentified. A separate code number will be given to each body and DNA samples will be collected and preserved. If information or samples are received from relatives in the future, there will be an opportunity to identify the victims based on that record.

Meanwhile, another important operation is underway to rescue the missing in the affected area. It is believed that several people may be trapped in a tunnel of the Trishuli 3 hydropower project in Rasua district. The work of removing the debris accumulated at the entrance of the tunnel has been intensified since Saturday morning.

The Prime Minister’s Secretariat said that a team comprising members of the army, armed police force and Nepal Police is trying to open the mouth of the tunnel. This rescue operation has been going on for the last two days. However, it could not be confirmed how many people are trapped inside the tunnel. They have been out of contact since the flood.

An Indian team has also arrived in the Trishuli area to assist in relief and rescue operations.

On the other hand, the situation in the disaster-hit areas of Nepal is still difficult. Rescuers have to rely on helicopters to reach remote areas as many parts of the main roads and bridges have been damaged. Meanwhile, the rescue operation has become more complicated as rains have resumed in various parts of northern Nepal.

The authorities of the country have also released pictures of extensive damage in the Tibetan part of China. Rescue operations and monitoring of the situation there are also ongoing.

Source: BBC Bangla