Stench of death spreads through Kathmandu as Nepal quake death toll climbs to 6,200

The death toll from Nepal’s devastating earthquake rose steadily past 6,200 today as fresh aftershocks and the stench of rotting bodies made it hard for nervous survivors to return to their homes.

Disposal of the hundreds of bodies still being found six days after the 7.8 magnitude quake devastated the Himalayan nation of 28 million people was becoming a problem for officials, who have ordered immediate cremations.

“Morgues are full beyond capacity and we have been given instruction to incinerate bodies immediately after they are pulled out,” said Raman Lal, an Indian paramilitary force official working in coordination with Nepali forces.

Aid was slowly beginning to reach remote towns and villages nestled in the mountains and foothills but the overpowering smell of bodies trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings in the capital was making it hard for residents to return to their homes.

But life was slowly edging back toward normal in the capital Kathmandu today as residents packed up tents and moved indoors, farmers delivered fresh produce and lines disappeared at petrol stations. Fresh croissants even emerged from a popular bakery and were quickly snapped up.

Many Nepalis have been sleeping in the open since Saturday’s quake. According to the United Nations, 600,000 houses have been destroyed or damaged.