Maraş earthquakes: AFAD issues a statement on how the dead will be buried

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The Disaster and Emergency Presidency (AFAD) announced in case bodies cannot be identified within 24 hours. Their remains will be buried in accordance with the religious 24-hour period and DNA samples, fingerprints, and photographs are taken.

AFAD issued a written statement about the identification and burial of the dead after the Maraş earthquakes. The disastrous earthquakes on Monday caused at least 8,574 deaths in Türkiye.

It is essential that the identification of the dead and their hand over to family members is carried out as quickly as possible, AFAD states. The examination of the deceased will be carried out at the prosecutor's offices in the city or district where the remains are found. Remnants are not sent to the surrounding cities or districts.

The dead will be transferred to the hospitals by health or security personnel, together with a report indicating in which building or wreckage the dead body was found and including whether or not there are relatives or other people that know the deceased person.

In case a body cannot be identified by family members or others, DNA samples, blood samples, and fingerprints will be taken. Remains that could not be identified and delivered to their relatives within 5 days after they were removed from the rubble will be buried in accordance with religious obligations, and their place of burial will be reported. (AS/PE)