In one Nepal district, flood catastrophe is measured in bodies and burial trenches

In south-central Nepal’s Chitwan district, flash floods and mudslides swept away at least 800 people, leaving over 3,000 missing in Nepal and Tibet. Authorities hastily dug trenches for temporary burials of about 100 victims, pending identification. Forensic teams struggled to cope with the overwhelming number of bodies, some of which had been submerged in floodwaters for up to four days and were already decomposing.

DNA samples were taken, and bodies were assigned reference numbers to aid families in claiming them later. Critics argue that Hindu funeral traditions are being ignored, with some residents expressing concern over the lack of dignity in death. The issue is particularly sensitive in Nepal, a predominantly Hindu nation where traditional burial practices involve cremation on riverbanks.

Officials maintain that the temporary burials are a necessary measure due to health concerns and limited capacity, but families and some public figures question the rush and urge for broader consultation before proceeding.