Situation Overview
First indications suggest that broadcast infrastructure of key stations in Kathmandu is intact - less information exists about other regions at the moment. Most stations are running on generators so fuel shortages are anticipated to become an issue. The majority of local newspapers also continue to publish online.
Most community radio stations have suffered damage to equipment, although no reported casualties and some are back on air. (Source: Community Radio Association of Nepal ACORAB)
Telephone networks are functioning but the network is congested, and GSMA have warned that fuel stocks for generators at base stations are running low. Some transmitters have also been damaged.
There have been rumours about impending earthquakes circulating in communities, due to the frequency of aftershocks. Agreed common messages and dissemination across agencies will be critical to ensure affected communities receive accurate information.
Telecommunications companies are offering free credit and SMS to users in Nepal. ATNT, Sprint, TMobile, Viber, and Vodaphone are offering free overseas calls and texts. Skype are offering free calls in and out of Nepal.
Using texts rather than calls is being suggested to avoid congestion.
The following local publications are all publishing online:
English language: http://www.myrepublica.com/; http://www.ekantipur.com/; http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/todaysEdition.php ;
Nepali language: Najarik http://www.ekantipur.com/; Ghatana Ra Bichan http://www.ghatanarabichar.com/