Nepal issues media safety protocol for journalists in flood-hit areas

Nepal has imposed new safety rules for journalists entering flood-ravaged areas. The measures tighten disaster reporting access and make accreditation compulsory for foreign media.Stock photo used for illustrationNepal has issued a media safety and operational protocol for journalists travelling to areas hit by the August 26 floods. It has also said foreign journalists who want to report from the affected areas must obtain press accreditation.The move comes after flash floods, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border, devastated towns and villages in northern and central Nepal. More than 1,300 people have been killed and around 5,000 remain missing.The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said on Sunday that Nepal's Ministry of Information and Communication had issued the protocol for journalists visiting flood-hit areas. The Bhotekoshi River, which flows south from the Himalayan border region, carried the floodwaters downstream, sweeping away homes, vehicles, roads and bridges, and damaging hydropower projects.Issued for immediate implementation, the protocol requires journalists to carry valid press identification, follow safety instructions from security and rescue personnel, comply with designated routes and movement restrictions, and follow evacuation orders where applicable. It also bars journalists from entering active rescue zones without permission, obstructing rescue operations, or entering restricted operational areas. Journalists have also been instructed not to cross the international border and to follow directions issued by security officials.Separately, Nepal's Department of Information and Broadcasting has issued a notice requiring foreign media journalists seeking to gather news from flood-affected areas along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers to apply for a Press Accreditation and Journalist Identity Card through its online service. The notice is dated September 3. Foreign journalists have been asked to submit a copy of their passport with a valid visa or entry permit, a recommendation from their media organisation addressed to the department, and a recommendation from the embassy, consular office or foreign ministry of their country. The department said the Press Accreditation and Journalist Identity Card would remain valid for 15 days.In sum, Nepal has put in place immediate rules for journalists covering the flood-hit regions, while also making press accreditation mandatory for foreign reporters travelling to affected areas along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers.With PTI Inputs- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Sep 6, 2026 12:04 IST