Tibet Disaster: China Removes Photos And Videos, Censors Death Toll Figures

Kathmandu: Relief and rescue operations are going on amid the devastating disaster in Tibet and Nepal. At the same time, China has increased its strictness regarding information related to the disaster in Tibet. According to the report, Chinese censors are removing pictures and videos of the disaster from internet media. State media journalists and social media influencers have also been instructed not to report the number of dead and missing people until an official announcement is made.

Why did China block news of disaster in Tibet?

After the disaster, administrative action was also taken in China against those who shared posts related to the number of dead and missing people on social media. According to the report, the action includes steps like fine and detention. In some cases, there has been a provision of a fine of up to 150 dollarss or a detention of up to 10 days.

What is the difference in media coverage in Nepal and Tibet?

There is a big difference in the situation between Nepal and Tibet regarding the coverage of the disaster. Foreign journalists in Nepal are visiting the affected areas and talking to local people and victim families. In contrast, foreign journalists are not allowed to report independently in Tibet. The Chinese government has dismissed these allegations as malicious speculation.

Why is information control important for China in Tibet?

Tibet has long been a sensitive area for China. There is a history of political dissent and protests here. In such a situation, independent photographs, statements of eyewitnesses and reporting of local people during the disaster can increase the challenge of information control for China.

What is being shown in the government media?

Official condolence meetings were held in Tibet's Girong county on Tuesday. State media broadcast images of workers, police officers, doctors and emergency workers clearing debris from the streets.

In its article, the People's Daily highlighted the role of Communist Party workers and members in the rescue operation. However, images of the injured, the dead and their families were largely ignored in government coverage.

What explanation did the Chinese government give?

China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said that search, rescue and emergency relief operations in disaster-affected areas are going on rapidly and systematically. He claimed that the information provided by China is public, transparent and timely.

What allegations did human rights organizations make?

Accredited journalists from Chinese state media were also prevented from interviewing survivors and their families, according to Maya Wang, Human Rights Watch's deputy Asia director. He alleged that authoritarian governments are concerned about questions and demands for accountability and hence control information and dissenting voices.

Has the true scale of the devastation in Tibet been revealed?

The International Campaign for Tibet has claimed that the actual scale of the devastation caused by the floods may be much greater than official figures. According to the organization, China has not yet clarified which villages in Tibet have been affected.

The organization quoted ground sources as saying that Saale, Serchung, Labi and Riji were among the most affected areas. About 300 houses are said to have been destroyed in these areas and many people are still missing.

Why are questions being raised even after relief?

According to the organization, some survivors have been taken to Girong city and are being kept under strict security and surveillance. The organization says that unhindered information coming from Tibet can be politically sensitive for China, because it can challenge China's information control regarding the image of Tibet and its governance.