20 bodies found in Nepal valley ravaged by earthquake
Kathmandu (dpa) - Bodies of 20 people missing since the April 25 earthquake have been discovered in Nepal's Langtang Valley, authorities said on Wednesday.
The bodies were sighted as the snow started melting on the mountains.
"Three bodies were retrieved two days ago, the villagers have discovered 17 more," Shivaram Gelal, the chief district officer of Rasuwa district in Langtang district, said by phone.
"There are some villagers in the region, who are in need of relief. When we fly the food in, we will be flying security officials who will retrieve the bodies and bring them to Kathmandu for autopsy."
Gelal said they were waiting for the weather to improve so that helicopters could be flown in.
The bodies were badly decomposed and would be sent to the capital for DNA testing, The Kathmandu Post reported.
The valley was ravaged by avalanches triggered by the earthquake, killing scores of people including tourists and displacing villagers.
The valley, near the Tibetan plateau, is the third most popular destination for trekkers in Nepal, after the Khumbu and the Annapurna regions.
Official figures say 8,856 people died during two major earthquakes in Nepal in April and May.
Recent landslides caused by monsoon rains on soil loosened by the tremors have killed 90 people in last two months, according to the Home Ministry.
