Nepal urges countries to restrict travel to flood-affected areas

Nepal urged friendly countries to limit travel to specific flood-affected areas, while stressing that the rest of the country remains open and safe for travel and tourism.

The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday that it and Nepal’s missions abroad are working closely with friendly countries on the issue.

The request comes after the United States issued a travel advisory on Sept. 4 that placed Nepal at Level 2, or “Exercise with Increased Caution,” due to natural disasters.

Also read | Factor 26: Floods in Nepal add to the deadly trail of natural disasters that occurred on the 26th

The US advisory places the Rasuwagadhi-Timure-Syafrubesi area of ​​Rasuwa district, including the Nepal-China border crossing, at Level 4, or “Do Not Travel”, due to flood damage, disruption to transport and communications, ongoing search and rescue and recovery operations, and the risk of additional flooding and landslides.

“Nepal regularly experiences earthquakes, floods and landslides. Earthquakes can occur suddenly and without much warning, including in the Kathmandu Valley,” the report said.

Also, foreign journalists seeking to cover flood-affected areas must obtain press accreditation through the online service of the Department of Information and Broadcasting, the Foreign Ministry said.

The ministry said the requirement was due to risks posed by ongoing rescue operations, unstable terrain, the risk of landslides and helicopter operations.

Meanwhile, Nepal has facilitated the return of 431 Nepalese nationals who were stranded on the Chinese side following the floods, with the ministry coordinating with Chinese authorities. They returned through the Tatopani border point, while another 105 people were expected to return through the same border point, the ministry said.