Nepal Earthquake: Government asks media houses to exercise restraint

NEW DELHI: The government today asked the media houses to exercise restraint in speculating about possible aftershocks after the massive earthquake in Nepal yesterday saying it can complicate relief efforts.

In a media advisory, External Affairs Ministry said, in view of the coordinated efforts of our agencies to evacuate stranded citizens, and to provide relief in the wake of the Nepal Earthquake, it is requested that media houses may exercise restraint in speculation about possible after-shocks.

"Undue speculation may cause unnecessary panic complicating relief efforts. The Government of India assures that it is making all efforts to provide relief and evacuate stranded citizens in time," the advisory further said.

Hundreds were dead in the powerful 7.9-magnitude earthquake and over a dozen aftershocks that jolted Nepal and adjoining areas yesterday.

The advisory comes in the backdrop of fresh aftershock of of 6.7 magnitude in Nepal and the tremors felt in parts of various other countries including India.