Morgues Overflow After Nepal Flood Disaster: Dry Ice and QR Code Measures Implemented
As hundreds of bodies swept away by floodwaters are recovered from neighboring districts in the country, DNA samples are being taken for identification and a QR code system is being implemented to assist families.
Morgues have run out of space following a devastating flood disaster in Nepal that claimed the lives of at least 475 people. Authorities are resorting to unusual methods such as dry ice and QR codes, while converting abandoned buildings into temporary morgues to preserve bodies and facilitate identification.
Capacity Shortage in Morgues
With at least 475 people killed in the flood disaster that struck Bhotekoshi, morgues across many parts of Nepal are completely full. Bodies swept away by currents from districts such as Rasuwa and Nuwakot are being recovered from distant locations, including Chitwan, Tanahun, Gorkha, and Nawalparasi.
Temporary Storage Areas and Dry Ice Measure
Authorities are converting abandoned buildings into temporary storage centers to preserve bodies. An empty building in Chitwan was arranged to hold approximately 250 bodies, while morgues in Pokhara, Nuwakot, Dhading, and Nawalparasi are also reported to have reached their limits.
If capacity is exceeded, plans are in place to slow decomposition at the electric crematorium in Devghat using air conditioners and dry ice. Additionally, a community forest hall in Kawasoti has been converted into a temporary morgue by adding air conditioning.
Identification via QR Codes and DNA
Police teams are collecting photographs, fingerprints, and DNA samples for numerous unidentified bodies. A QR code system has been introduced to help families identify their relatives, while safe burial sites are being planned for unclaimed bodies.
New Earthquake and Dam Burst Warning
Nepal Police evacuated the Trishuli region following a magnitude 5.1 earthquake in China and reports indicating a dam burst on the Tibet side. A new flood warning has been issued for local residents.