800 Tsunami Bodies Remain Unnamed

Almost a year on and Australian experts are still on the ground in Thailand dealing with the appalling aftermath of the tsunami. The Australian Federal Police forensic team said yesterday another 800 bodies in Thailand are yet to be identified. Many never will be. AFP Disaster Victim Identification teams rushed to Thailand after the waves hit, putting to work their experience gained in identifying bodies in tropical climates during the aftermath of the Bali bombings. Once established, the AFP found itself co-ordinating a crack forensic squad made up of experts from 30 countries.

Though the horrific mess left behind by the tsunami is today in the back of most Australians' minds, the AFP DVI teams are still confronted with the horror on a daily basis, working in conditions that are hot and uncomfortable. The AFP will wind back its commitment to Thailand in February, but only after teaching the Royal Thai Police the latest scientific techniques in identifying bodies. Australia will also leave behind a $50,000 trailer kitted-out with the latest forensic equipment. About 5000 people died in Thailand when the tsunami smashed into the coast on Boxing Day. Read More....


Source: Herald Sun