14 hrs ago
Nepal Urges Narrower Flood Advisories, Says Most Tourist Areas Safe
Nepal has asked other countries not to warn people away from the whole country because of floods in certain areas.
Nepal says most places are still open and safe for tourists.
The United States currently advises travelers to use extra caution in Nepal.
It says people should not travel to a flood-damaged area near the China border.
Floods have damaged roads and communications there, and rescue work is still happening.
Foreign journalists must get official permission before visiting the affected areas.
Nepal helped 431 citizens return from the Chinese side after they became stranded.
Another 105 people were expected to return through the same border crossing.
Nepal asked friendly countries to limit travel warnings to flood-affected areas.
The United States placed Nepal under Level 2 travel guidance on September 4.
The Rasuwagadhi-Timure-Syafrubesi area in Rasuwa district received a Level 4 warning.
Nepal said the rest of the country remains open and safe for tourists.
Nepal helped 431 nationals stranded in China return through the Tatopani border point.
- Who
- Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, friendly countries, the United States, foreign journalists, and Nepali nationals stranded in China.
- What
- Nepal requested that travel advisories identify specific flood-hit areas rather than broadly warning against travel throughout the country.
- Where
- Nepal, particularly the Rasuwagadhi-Timure-Syafrubesi area of Rasuwa district near the Nepal-China border.
- When
- The United States issued its advisory on September 4; Nepal's Foreign Ministry announced its request on Sunday.
- Why
- Nepal says the rest of the country remains safe and open for tourism, while the affected area faces flood damage, disrupted transport and communications, landslides, and ongoing rescue operations.
Nepal's Position
United States' Risk Assessment
Scope of travel warning
Nepal's Position
Nepal wants friendly countries to limit advisories to specific flood-affected areas and says the rest of the country is open and safe for tourists.
United States' Risk Assessment
The United States placed Nepal under Level 2 guidance because of natural-disaster risks and separately designated the affected Rasuwa area Level 4, or do not travel.
Conditions in Rasuwa
Nepal's Position
Nepal is managing rescue operations, restricting foreign media access through an accreditation requirement, and coordinating the return of stranded citizens.
United States' Risk Assessment
The U.S. advisory cites flood damage, disrupted transportation and communications, ongoing search-and-rescue and recovery operations, and risks of further flooding and landslides.
Key facts
- U.S. advisory level for Nepal
- Level 2: Exercise increased caution
- Highest-risk area
- Rasuwagadhi-Timure-Syafrubesi area of Rasuwa district
- U.S. warning for that area
- Level 4: Do not travel
- Nepali nationals returned
- 431 people
- Expected additional returnees
- 105 people
- Return crossing
- Tatopani border point
- Journalist requirement
- Foreign journalists need press accreditation through the Department of Information and Broadcasting's online service
Quotes
United States travel advisory
Official travel guidance issued by the United States
“Nepal regularly experiences earthquakes, floods, and landslides. Earthquakes can happen suddenly with little warning, including in the Kathmandu Valley.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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