Disposal of dead bodies in emergency conditions

This technical note provides guidance on the disposal of dead bodies in emergency situations. Where there are many fatalities, the collection and disposal of bodies becomes an urgent need, mainly due to the possible social and political impact and trauma involved. It offers guidance to emergency relief teams to be concerned with the mental health of the community and its need to carry out the cultural obligations and traditions to take care of the dead, rather than potential disease transmission. Downloading statistics of this publication were extremely high following the 2004 Asian Tsunami.