China penalises 10 people for misinformation over deadly mudslide near Nepal border
Chinese authorities penalised 10 people accused of spreading misinformation online about a deadly mudslide along the Nepal border, police said Monday, as rescuers scour for hundreds missing at a border crossing on the Tibetan side. The penalties, which could range from fines to 10 days in detention, come as rescuers on both sides of the […]
Chinese authorities have fined ten individuals for spreading misinformation about a recent deadly mudslide near the Nepal border, according to police reports on Monday. The penalties, ranging from fines to 10 days in detention, are part of a campaign against online rumors that falsely claimed the death toll was significantly higher than official reports.
The mudslide, which occurred last week, has resulted in at least 903 deaths in Nepal, with 4,247 people missing, while in Chinese-administered Tibet, 16 people died and 546 are missing after the disaster flattened an area equivalent to 98 football pitches. The misinformation involved exaggerated death counts, with one individual alleging 3,000 fatalities in total and another claiming over 3,000 people died in China.
The Chinese foreign ministry responded to international reports of censorship by stating that information on the disaster was being released "open, transparent and timely," dismissing accusations of malicious smearing and sensationalism. Rescuers in Tibet are facing challenges such as high-altitude terrain, steep valleys, and volatile weather while searching for survivors.
The county of Gyirong, which was hit hardest by the mudslide, may experience further rainfall in the coming days, posing additional risks for rescue operations.
Written by urgent.news from Hong Kong Free Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
