Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Nepal Sets Media Rules for Flood-Affected Areas After Deadly Floods
Nepal created new rules for journalists reporting on areas damaged by major floods.
The floods began on August 26 after an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border.
Floodwaters damaged homes, vehicles, roads, bridges and hydropower projects.
More than 1,300 people were reported killed, and about 5,000 remained missing.
Journalists must carry valid press identification and follow instructions from security and rescue workers.
They cannot enter active rescue areas without permission or disrupt rescue operations.
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 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 safety instructions, use designated routes and obey evacuation orders.
The protocol bars unauthorized entry into active rescue zones, restricted operational areas and crossing the international border.
Foreign journalists must obtain accreditation and a journalist 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 media safety rules and required foreign journalists to obtain accreditation for coverage of flood-affected areas.
- When
- The floods occurred on August 26; the protocol was posted on a Sunday, and the foreign-journalist notice was dated September 3.
- Where
- Flood-affected areas of northern and central Nepal, including areas along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers.
- Why
- To protect journalists, prevent interference with rescue operations and regulate foreign media access to affected areas.
- Flood date
- August 26
- Reported fatalities
- More than 1,300 people
- People missing
- Around 5,000
- Required for journalists
- Valid press identification, compliance with safety instructions, designated routes, movement restrictions and evacuation orders
- Restricted activities
- Unauthorized entry into active rescue zones, obstruction of rescue operations, entry into restricted operational areas and crossing the international border
- Foreign journalist documents
- Passport with a 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
