2 hrs ago
Nepal Tightens Journalist Safety Rules After Deadly Floods
Nepal has made new rules for journalists covering areas damaged by major floods.
The floods began after an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26.
Floodwaters destroyed homes, vehicles, roads, bridges and hydropower projects.
More than 1,300 people were reported killed, and about 5,000 were still missing.
Journalists must show valid press identification and follow instructions from rescuers and security officials.
They cannot enter active rescue areas without permission or interfere with rescue work.
Foreign journalists need special accreditation and documents before reporting in the affected areas.
Their press accreditation and identity card will last for 15 days.
Nepal issued a media safety and operational protocol for journalists covering areas affected by the August 26 floods.
The floods, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border, killed more than 1,300 people and left about 5,000 missing.
Journalists must carry valid press identification, follow security instructions, use designated routes and obey evacuation orders.
The protocol bars journalists from unauthorized active rescue zones, restricted operational areas and crossing the international border.
Foreign journalists must obtain accreditation and an identity card, valid for 15 days, before reporting from affected areas.
- Who
- Nepalese authorities, local and foreign journalists, and security and rescue personnel.
- What
- Nepal issued safety rules for journalists and introduced a press-accreditation requirement for foreign media covering flood-affected areas.
- Where
- Flood-affected areas of northern and central Nepal, including areas along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers.
- When
- The floods occurred on August 26; the protocol was posted on a Sunday, and the foreign-journalist notice was dated September 3.
- Why
- To protect journalists, prevent disruption of rescue operations and regulate foreign media access to affected areas.
Key facts
- Flood date
- August 26
- Reported fatalities
- More than 1,300 people
- People missing
- Around 5,000
- Required for all journalists
- Valid press identification and compliance with safety, route, movement and evacuation instructions
- Restricted activities
- Unauthorized entry into active rescue zones, interference with rescue operations and entry into restricted operational areas
- Foreign journalist documents
- Passport with valid visa or entry permit, media-organization recommendation and a recommendation from the journalist's embassy, consular office or foreign ministry
- Accreditation validity
- 15 days
Sources
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