Post-Bhotekoshi-Trishuli Flood: Lack of Forensic Experts for Autopsies and Other Challenges in Chitwan
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Following the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli floods, Chitwan district saw the highest number of recovered bodies, where officials have reported a shortage of forensic medical experts and other resources necessary for managing the casualties.
Dr. Vishwabandhu Bagale, Chief Medical Superintendent at Bharatpur Hospital, told BBC there are only four forensic specialists available across the entire district.
He said that to conduct the necessary health examinations for the identification and management of bodies recovered from the floods, he has requested assistance from forensic experts at various hospitals who have come to Chitwan.
Ganesh Aryal, Chief District Officer of Chitwan, mentioned that the total capacity of mortuaries in the district is only 30, which has posed additional challenges due to the recovery of more than 200 bodies.
Shortage of Forensic Medical Experts
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Dr. Bagale shared that due to shortages of time and healthcare staff, only the intact bodies have been examined promptly.
“We have been collecting identifying signs, photographs, and videos of those bodies and sending them to the body preservation center,” he explained.
However, since even this number of bodies surpasses local capacity, he has sent letters requesting forensic experts from across the country to come and assist in Chitwan.
He also noted that healthcare workers and volunteers from other hospitals have been called to assist, some of whom have already arrived.
According to Dr. Bagale, the district has a total of four forensic specialists—two at Bharatpur Hospital and two at Chitwan Medical College.
He added that two additional specialists have recently arrived following his requests for support.
Procedure for Body Handover
According to Chief District Officer Aryal, a ‘Help Desk’ has been established to assist relatives of missing persons in the identification of bodies.
“We show the bodies to the people who come there, and if any body belongs to their relatives, after completing administrative procedures and record collection, it is handed over,” he explained.
Aryal further disclosed that due to the indigent capacity of the existing mortuaries, a governmental office building has been temporarily converted into a mortuary.
Special measures have been taken to maintain required temperatures inside by installing air conditioning and dry ice to prevent outside air inflow, he added.
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Officials have confirmed that only two bodies have been positively identified so far.
Approximately 40% of the remaining bodies have been found in an advanced state of decomposition, making identification impossible.
Similar Conditions in Other Districts
According to Madhav Nepal, correspondent based in Butwal, similar challenges in body management have been noted in East Nawalparasi district bordering Chitwan.
Deputy Chief District Officer Chiranjivi Rana shared that due to space limitations, out of 134 bodies found in East Nawalparasi, 41 have been sent to hospitals in Pokhara, and eight to hospitals in Palpa.
He mentioned that other bodies have also been managed at hospitals within the district.
Similarly, in West Nawalparasi, 31 bodies have been transported to Lumbini Provincial Hospital in Butwal, Pipra Hospital in Kapilvastu, Bhim Hospital in Bhairahawa, and other local district hospitals.
Problems Due to Spreading Odor
Sugreev Tharu of Kohalpur, Banke, who traveled to Bharatpur searching for his missing brother, reported a strong foul odor spreading within the mortuary and observed that some bodies were leaking fluids.
The temporary mortuary is connected to the building of the Chitwan Industry Association.
Ganesh Prasad Silwal, Executive Director of the Association, stated, “The stench has even begun to permeate inside the office. It is unacceptable to keep the bodies under these conditions; the state must take responsibility and arrange for collective cremations.”