India’s Ganges River becomes dumping site of COVID-19 victims [Video]

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Indian authorities installed nets across the Ganges River after dozens of suspected COVID-19 dead bodies were washed up.
• Officials believe that bodies are being dumped because of the high cost of funerals and full capacity at cremation facilities.
• To date, India recorded an all-time high in its COVID-19 death toll, with more than 250,000 casualties.

Indian authorities are raising the alarm as nets have been installed across the Ganges River after dozens of dead bodies – apparently COVID-19 casualties – have been washed up.

With the ongoing rage of the COVID-19 virus sweeping across India, the discovery of the corpses has caused great fear and worry, especially with a viral video seemingly showing ambulance staff dumping bodies in the river.

WARNING: The video below contains footage some viewers may find upsetting.

It has been widely reported that with the surge of cases in India, the country is grappling with COVID-19 deaths and how these will be disposed without putting more people at risk.

With the increasing number of deaths, people are looking for alternative disposal measures and dumping at the Ganges River is a desperate move.

A Chausan resident shared that “during normal times, the crematorium here would usually see between two and three bodies daily. But, the number of dead bodies arriving each day is nearer to 60.”

Officials also believe that bodies are being dumped because of the high cost of funerals and full capacity at cremation facilities.

Sanjay Kumar, Bihar’s water resources minister said that to address this, a net has been placed to serve as barrier in the river on the state border with Uttar Pradesh. Increased presence of uniformed men was also in place.

For the time being, this initiative is seen to prevent the unnecessary spread of the virus as dumped bodies can increase the risk, with stray dogs devouring the cadavers, thus aggravating the spread of the deadly virus.

To date, India recorded an all-time high in its COVID-19 death toll, with more than 250,000 casualties.

Source: New York Post