Nepal tightens rules for journalists covering flood-hit areas

Nepal has introduced new safety and operational guidelines for journalists covering areas devastated by glacier-related floods, while making press accreditation mandatory for foreign journalists reporting from the affected zones.

The measures were issued by Nepal’s Ministry of Information and Communications for journalists working in flood-hit areas, according to a report by Indian news outlet India Today.

The restrictions follow a sudden flood on August 26 near the Nepal-Tibet border that devastated towns and villages across northern and central Nepal. More than 1,300 bodies have been recovered so far, while over 5,000 people remain missing, according to the report.

The Bhotekoshi River, swollen by water flowing down from the Himalayan border region, swept away homes, vehicles, roads and bridges. Several hydropower projects were also damaged.

Under the new guidelines, journalists must carry valid press identification and follow instructions from security and rescue personnel. They must use designated routes, comply with movement restrictions and follow evacuation orders when issued.

Journalists are also barred from entering active rescue sites without permission, obstructing rescue operations, entering restricted or prohibited operational areas or crossing international borders. They must also comply with directions from security officials.

Foreign journalists face additional requirements

Nepal’s Department of Information and Broadcasting issued a separate notice on September 3 requiring foreign journalists seeking to report from flood-affected areas along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers to apply online for press accreditation and journalist identification cards.

Applicants must submit a copy of their passport along with a valid visa or entry permit, a recommendation letter from their media organisation and a recommendation from their country’s embassy, consular office or foreign ministry.

The press accreditation and journalist identification card will remain valid for up to 15 days, according to the notice.