Bedika KC Spreads Misinformation and Creates Panic with Relief Stunt

Kathmandu — During a natural disaster, citizens need patience, accurate information, and coordination with official agencies. However, the trend of creating panic and spreading misleading information to gain attention and publicity on social media is increasing day by day. Activist Bedika KC has become the latest example of this.

Without any study or preparation regarding the technical aspects of disaster management and the actual road conditions, setting off on a whim and then engaging in drama on social media to collect sympathy after encountering problems on the way has repeated once again.

Yesterday, Bedika KC wrote a long clarification on social media, expressing her helplessness over not being able to reach Rasuwa.

She wrote in her status— "We made every possible attempt to go to Rasuwa. Private helicopters were not available for booking, and the road from Dhunge was damaged. When we tried to go via Naukunda in coordination with the District Administration, a massive landslide occurred in Suryagadhi—I have already posted photos with proof this morning. Even bikes could not pass through."

Defending herself towards the end of the post, she further added— "Failing to go despite doing all this is not my choice. I cannot fly there, after all! Despite making every possible effort, the road did not support us. Now, efforts will continue to reach victims wherever possible."

Describing the situation on social media in such an exaggerated manner—claiming roads are ruined, landslides have occurred, and even motorbikes cannot operate—shows a complete lack of basic consideration for how much fear, confusion, and panic it creates among the relatives of victims and the general public in that area.

At a time when security forces and local administration are taking control of the road situation, spreading confusion and creating a commotion on social media claiming one 'could not fly' due to private efforts is the height of irresponsibility.

Instead of following advance warnings and official advice from the District Administration and Disaster Management Committee, looking for private helicopters and spreading terror about blocked roads even affects the official rescue mechanisms.

Turning a disaster into a media stunt to gather sympathy and 'likes-comments', and shirking responsibility with frivolous remarks like "I cannot fly there, after all!", promotes misinformation rather than supporting real relief work.

Rushing out with a relief vehicle without understanding advance notices from the local administration or road conditions, and then crying on social media with 'photos with proof' after getting stuck halfway, is an immature style that spreads unfounded rumors and panic among the public.

Oh wow! The state's security agencies, rescue teams, and local administration must be sitting quietly doing nothing during disasters, while our social media 'heroes' failed to reach Rasuwa simply because they lacked flying wings! Posting 'proven photos' of landslides on the road and bikes unable to pass on social media to spread terror among the public is as good as delivering relief! Until flying technology arrives in Nepal, since such social media heroes will manage disasters by creating panic right from Facebook, the government can now sit back and relax!