The Chitwan region of Nepal has become a temporary mass grave for hundreds of victims swept away by a flash flood triggered by a recent glacial avalanche. The disaster on the China-Nepal border has claimed more than 750 lives, with 3,000 still missing. Bodies were washed as far as 200 km away, onto the plains.

In the Devghat forest, authorities have dug hundreds of graves for remains in an advanced state of decomposition, driven by fears of an impending epidemic and risks to public health.

In hospitals and makeshift morgues, which are struggling with an overwhelming stench and a lack of capacity, police and medical personnel are unable to keep pace with the constantly rising number of victims.

Before burial, officials are carefully documenting the exact locations of the graves and collecting DNA samples. This will allow for later exhumation and identification if relatives submit requests or genetic test results become available. Forensic teams from India and China, reportedly called in to assist, are said to be working closely with Nepal on analyzing the samples and searching for the missing.

Meanwhile, a gathering place has been set up in Chitwan for grieving families from across the region. Hundreds of people are waiting anxiously there for the release of photographs or information about their loved ones.

(Reuters, max)