[Photo: The devastation Dharahara & Kathmandu Durbar Square Credit: Ujjwal Acharya ]
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the South Asia Media Solidarity Network (SAMSN) give condolences to their Nepalese media colleagues following the earthquake that struck their country on Saturday, April 25. Particularly, today IFJ and SAMSN offer their solidarity to their IFJ affiliates in Nepal: the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), the Nepal Press Union (NPU) and the National Union of Journalists, Nepal (NUJN) whose members continue to work and share news in the devastating aftermath of the quake.
On Saturday, April 25, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck central and western Nepal. The quake epicenter was to the west of the capital Kathmandu, near the town of Gorkha. At least 39 of the country’s 75 districts have been affected, with Kathmandu one of the 11 districts most severely affected. Since the earthquake, there have been several aftershocks across the affected region, some quakes measuring as high as a 7 magnitude. Over 4,000 people have been killed and over 9,000 people have been injured in the earthquakes.
The IFJ has been informed that several major media house structures have been damaged in Kathmandu and that the country’s vital community radio network has been severely impaired or is off air completely due to ongoing power outages in the country.
In a statement, the FNJ said: “The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) appreciates the role and responsibilities fulfilled by media organisations and journalists. FNJ requests media organisations and journalists to follow media ethics, code of conduct and news sensitivity while publishing and broadcasting news. FNJ appeals all FNJ chapters, media organizations and journalists to report on the devastation caused by earthquake. FNJ also would like to thank all who have showed deep concern and support in this situation.”
The IFJ Asia Pacific deputy director, Jane Worthington said: “The IFJ offers its condolences to the victims and their families of this devastating tragedy and stands with its colleagues across Nepal as they continue to work tirelessly during this difficult time.”
“Now more than ever, media solidarity and professionalism is critical for journalists and media workers in Nepal as they perform the important role of communicating the impact of this horrendous disaster and the steps to recovery in the coming weeks, months and years.”
The IFJ Safety Fund exists to support journalists affected by natural disasters and in the Asia Pacific region the Media Safety and Solidarity Fund (MSSF) looks after journalists in crisis across the region.
If you’d like more information on providing support to these media funds, please email the IFJ Asia-Pacific projects and safety coordinator, Alexandra Hearne on [email protected]