Disposal of dead bodies in emergency conditions | WHO

WHO Technical Note for Emergencies No. 8 - 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. This is not usually due to any health-related risks, which are likely to be negligible, but is important because of the possible social and political impact and trauma. So emergency relief teams should primarily 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.