Nepal turns to DNA testing as morgue crisis grips Chitwan

Nepal's Chitwan district is facing an unprecedented challenge as its morgue facilities become severely overwhelmed, prompting authorities to implement emergency protocols including temporary burials and DNA testing to identify the dead.

The district's healthcare system has introduced the new identification procedure to manage the surge of unidentified bodies, which has strained existing mortuary capacity. Families seeking to locate deceased relatives now must navigate a more complex process involving temporary interment while forensic analysis proceeds.

Under the new protocol, bodies are registered and temporarily buried at designated sites while DNA samples are collected and analyzed. This approach allows authorities to free up limited morgue space while still maintaining the possibility of accurate identification through scientific means.

The initiative represents a significant shift in how the district handles mass casualty situations. Families are being provided guidance on how to access DNA testing services and track the identification progress of their relatives through a coordinated registry system.

Local health officials have emphasised that the temporary burial protocol is designed to respect cultural and religious practices while addressing the immediate crisis. The DNA testing programme aims to eventually reunite families with confirmed remains and provide closure during an extraordinarily difficult period.