Nepal urges countries to restrict travel with flood warnings

KATHMANDU — 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, placing Nepal under Level 2, or “Exercise with Increased Caution,” due to natural disasters.

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.

Also read: Nepalese and Chinese citizens rescued alive from flood-hit areas

“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.