Bhotekoshi flood leaves children among hardest hit; media urged to report sensitively
Summary
Children have been among the hardest hit by the Bhotekoshi River flood in Rasuwa, with thousands affected across several districts and many students displaced, missing or dead. A Kathmandu discussion urged media outlets to report on children with greater sensitivity, protecting privacy, child rights and mental well-being during disasters.
Key Points
- The Bhotekoshi River flood in Rasuwa has severely affected children, with 9,428 students from 32 schools directly impacted in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading.
- Official figures shared at the discussion said 1,385 people had died and 5,130 remained missing as of September 11.
- Speakers urged media professionals to prioritize child rights, privacy and psychological safety when covering disasters.
- Participants called for responsible journalism and stronger advocacy to protect children orphaned or otherwise harmed by the flood.
