Lucknow: The Gandak river has carried bodies believed to be of victims of the flash floods in Nepal into eastern Uttar Pradesh, bringing the tragedy closer to Indian villages along its downstream stretch.
At least 10 bodies have been recovered from the river in Maharajganj and Kushinagar districts during the past two days. The deceased have not yet been identified, and efforts are under way to locate their relatives.
The Gandak originates in Nepal before entering India and flowing through several areas of Uttar Pradesh.
According to officials, all 10 bodies recovered from the river are believed to be those of Nepali nationals. The deceased, all adults, were found in a bloated and highly decomposed condition, making identification difficult, as reported by The New Indian Express.
The bodies have been shifted to mortuaries in Maharajganj and Kushinagar. District administration officials said they would be kept there for 72 hours in accordance with the prescribed procedure.
Identification Efforts Under Way
Officials have prepared records of jewellery, personal belongings and other items found on the bodies. They have also noted distinguishing physical features, including tattoos and other marks that could help establish the identities of the deceased.
Photographs of the bodies have been circulated in nearby areas in the hope that residents or relatives may be able to identify them.
Maharajganj Additional District Magistrate Kumar said four bodies had been recovered in the district. They included three women and a young man.
“If no one comes forward during the next 72-hour period, further action will be taken in accordance with government guidelines,” Kumar said.
A report detailing the recoveries has been sent to the Uttar Pradesh government. It is likely to be forwarded to the central government for obtaining further information from the Nepalese authorities and taking necessary action.
Disaster management officials in Kushinagar said six bodies had been recovered from the Gandak’s downstream stretch. Three of the deceased were men and the remaining three were women.
Debris Piles Up Along Gandak Banks
Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force and the flood battalion of the Provincial Armed Constabulary have been deployed in the affected areas. They are assisting the district administration and police in Maharajganj and Kushinagar.
Although the immediate threat of flooding has declined following a fall in the river’s water level, authorities have advised residents to remain cautious. People have been asked to keep away from the river and avoid entering low-lying areas.
The Gandak has also brought a large quantity of debris downstream. Vehicles, household articles, gas cylinders, drums, furniture, logs and several other objects have been seen floating in the river or being deposited along its banks.
A number of villagers gathered near the river to collect articles washed ashore. The administration has warned them against entering the water or attempting to retrieve floating objects. Instead locals have been asked to inform the authorities whenever they notice bodies, vehicles or other material being carried downstream.