When disaster becomes a festival: Rethinking media coverage of the Wayanad landslide

India, a land prone to a myriad of natural calamities ranging from floods and droughts to earthquakes and landslides, faces the perennial challenge of effective disaster management. Beyond the immediate rescue and relief operations, a critical aspect often overlooked is the role of media in disaster reporting. The recent emphasis on the Wayanad landslide, which occurred in August 2019 in Kerala's mountainous district, serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for disaster reporting. This incident, like many others before it, highlighted how media coverage can often lean towards sensationalism and spectacle, undermining the dignity of survivors and hindering holistic disaster communication.

The background context reveals a recurring pattern. In the race for breaking news and higher TRPs, media outlets frequently prioritize dramatic visuals and emotional narratives over contextual information, accuracy, and ethical considerations. This 'event-driven storytelling' often leads to a transient focus on the immediate tragedy, with little follow-up on long-term rehabilitation, reconstruction, or preparedness measures. The Wayanad landslide, which claimed several lives and devastated communities in areas like Kavalappara and Puthumala, saw a massive influx of media personnel. While their presence brought initial attention, it also led to intrusive reporting, unauthorized access to disaster sites, and a focus on grief rather than resilience, often invading the privacy of grieving families and those struggling for survival.

Several key stakeholders are involved in this complex dynamic. Firstly, **media houses and individual journalists** are at the forefront, wielding immense power in shaping public perception. Their adherence to ethical guidelines and professional standards is paramount. Secondly, **government agencies**, particularly the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) at the national level, State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), and district administrations, play a crucial role in information dissemination and coordinating with media. Their ability to provide accurate, timely, and contextual information is vital. Thirdly, **disaster-affected communities and survivors** are the most vulnerable stakeholders, whose dignity, privacy, and psychological well-being must be protected. Lastly, **civil society organizations and NGOs** often work on the ground, providing relief and advocating for ethical reporting practices. Regulatory bodies like the **Press Council of India (PCI)** and the **News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA)** are also key, tasked with upholding journalistic ethics and standards.

This issue matters profoundly for India. From a governance perspective, effective disaster management relies heavily on clear communication. Misinformation or sensationalized reporting can divert resources, create panic, and undermine public trust in official relief efforts. Socially, it impacts the mental health and dignity of survivors, perpetuating trauma rather than fostering recovery. Economically, inaccurate reporting can deter aid or investment in affected regions. Historically, India has witnessed numerous major disasters – from the Bhuj earthquake in 2001 and the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004 to the Kedarnath floods in 2013 and the Kerala floods in 2018 – each underscoring the need for better disaster communication strategies. The Disaster Management Act, 2005, provides a robust legal framework for disaster management but needs stronger provisions and implementation regarding media engagement and reporting ethics.

Constitutionally, the debate touches upon **Article 19(1)(a)**, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression. However, this freedom is not absolute and is subject to reasonable restrictions, including those for maintaining public order, decency, or morality. Ethical disaster reporting aligns with these restrictions, ensuring that the exercise of freedom of expression does not infringe upon the dignity and privacy (an implicit aspect of **Article 21 - Right to Life and Personal Liberty**) of disaster victims. The **Press Council of India Act, 1978**, empowers the PCI to build up a code of conduct for newspapers and news agencies, a mandate that needs to be more rigorously applied to disaster reporting across all media platforms, including digital.

The future implications are clear. India needs to develop comprehensive, enforceable SOPs for disaster reporting, collaboratively drafted by media bodies, disaster management agencies, and civil society. These SOPs should focus on training journalists in disaster sensitivity, promoting responsible content creation, establishing clear communication channels between authorities and media, and emphasizing long-term reporting on recovery and resilience. The rise of social media further complicates the landscape, necessitating strategies to combat misinformation while leveraging platforms for effective communication. Moving forward, the focus must shift from merely reporting events to understanding and communicating the complex processes of disaster, recovery, and preparedness, thereby contributing to a more resilient and informed society. This includes encouraging 'solutions journalism' that highlights successful recovery efforts and preventive measures, rather than just the immediate devastation.

This would not only enhance India's disaster preparedness and response mechanisms but also uphold the fundamental rights and dignity of its citizens during their most vulnerable moments, ensuring that media acts as a constructive force in national recovery.