RSF publishes guide for journalists covering major earthquakes

The guide covers:

• Preparing for earthquake coverage: basic training, emergency planning, first aid, civil protection protocols and key official and scientific sources.

• Staying safe in the field: what to do during an earthquake, how to identify secondary risks, how to respond to aftershocks and when it is safe to resume reporting.

• Verifying information: how to confirm facts, identify reliable sources and avoid spreading rumours, unverified casualty figures or false information circulating on social media.

• Reporting responsibly: recommendations for covering affected communities without sensationalism, speculation or language that could fuel panic.

• Using images and conducting interviews ethically: how to respect the dignity, privacy and consent of survivors, including children and other vulnerable people, while avoiding interference with rescue operations.

• Communicating risk to the public: how journalists can provide useful information on safe areas, emergency services, shelters, evacuation routes and other measures that can help protect people.

• Protecting journalists' mental health: guidance on covering death, destruction and human suffering while avoiding invasive interviews, re-traumatisation and unnecessary exposure to distressing situations.

• Protecting reporting teams: recommendations for newsrooms on emergency plans, protective equipment, backup communications and evacuation procedures.

The guide adapts and expands recommendations originally developed by Venezuela's Colegio Nacional de Periodistas (CNP) following the June 2026 earthquakes. It has been adapted for use by journalists covering major earthquakes anywhere in the world.