CHITWAN, AUGUST 29
Forensic teams at Bharatpur Hospital have collected DNA samples from 135 bodies as authorities work to identify a growing number of dead in Chitwan, with bodies continuing to arrive.
A total of 233 bodies have so far been collected in the district, of which only six have been identified and handed over to their families, according to the hospital.
Hospital spokesperson Dr Ram Prasad Sapkota said two special teams led by forensic experts began the identification process on August 27. With many bodies arriving at once, the hospital has faced difficulties in preservation, post-mortem examinations, identification and collection of biological samples due to limited facilities and manpower.
To speed up the process, the hospital has coordinated with the College of Medical Sciences, Chitwan Medical College, Bharatpur Hospital and medical colleges in Kathmandu and Palpa. Four forensic expert teams have been mobilised since August 28, Sapkota said.
The teams are continuing to collect biological samples required for DNA testing alongside other procedures related to identification. A separate seven-member medical team was also deployed from August 29 to make sample collection and other medical procedures more effective.
The process has been further complicated by Chitwan's high temperature and humidity, which can accelerate changes in bodies and make preservation and identification more difficult.
The hospital said it is coordinating with the Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene, district authorities, security personnel, volunteers and media representatives to complete preservation, post-mortem and identification procedures as quickly as possible in accordance with medical and forensic standards.
