Nepal floods: Some bodies decompose beyond recognition, local govt to preserve DNA before remains are handled

The Nepal floods, which struck the country's border region with Tibet, have claimed at least 675 lives and left over 2,400 people missing, as reported by the BBC. Search and rescue efforts have been ongoing for five days, according to CNA. Authorities have noted that some of the recovered bodies have decomposed so severely that they cannot be recognized, necessitating the state's handling once they are buried due to health concerns and potential disease outbreaks.

Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah announced on August 29 through social media that the government would preserve DNA samples and other identifying information from unidentified victims before their remains are managed by the state. Shah clarified that only unidentified bodies would be handled, while those recognized by their families would be handed over to relatives.

The government has directed efforts to avoid misinformation regarding its management of the deceased. A total of 675 bodies have been recovered from the impacted districts of Rasuwa, Dhading, Nuwakot, Chitwan, Tanahun, Gorkha, Nawalparasi East, and Nawalparasi West. These bodies are being stored in airtight bags and treated in accordance with the Unidentified and Unclaimed Bodies Management (First Amendment) Directive of 2026.

The government has intensified search-and-rescue operations, provided medical care, delivered relief, and restored communication in response to the disaster, with federal, provincial, and local authorities coordinating their efforts. Prime Minister Shah emphasized that saving the lives of every affected citizen remains the government's top priority and pledged to support affected communities and continue rescue and rehabilitation efforts until satisfactory outcomes are achieved.