Nepal has started burying flood victims after the death toll surpassed 750, as authorities struggle to identify hundreds of recovered bodies. The country, predominantly Hindu, traditionally cremates the dead, but the scale of the disaster has forced a shift toward temporary burials. Officials began the process after collecting DNA samples and marking the bodies for future retrieval by families.
In one district, officials have resorted to burial trenches due to the overwhelming number of unidentified remains. This has sparked criticism, with some accusing authorities of disregarding Hindu funeral customs. The situation highlights the logistical and cultural challenges faced in the aftermath of the catastrophic floods.
The floods, which hit the Himalayan region, have left communities reeling. Families are being informed that their loved ones may not be recoverable, adding to the emotional toll. Efforts to identify victims continue, but the process remains slow, leaving many without closure.
The crisis underscores the urgent need for improved disaster response and cultural sensitivity in handling remains during large-scale tragedies.
