Rapid response by AP dominates breaking news play of Nepal flash floods

The AP team responding to devastating flash floods at the Nepal-China border overcame dangerous and serious logistical difficulties to dominate global coverage of what would become one of the biggest disasters in the Himalayan nation, wiping out entire villages and killing more than 1,000. Strong all-format coverage of the disaster caused by a glacial collapse showcased AP’s global teamwork and collaboration.

As soon as news broke about a massive flash flood hurtling down from the Himalayan mountains, Kathmandu photographer Niranjan Shrestha and video journalist Upendra Mansingh headed to Nuwakot, one of the worst-affected districts. Niranjan’s powerful first images, showing stunned survivors caked in mud, and Upendra’s compelling video brought to life the unprecedented scale of the unfolding disaster. Upendra provided an unmatched mobile live shot, showing the devastation hours ahead of the competition. The UGC team sprung into action, obtaining video of the terrifying moments when the flash flood hit an immigration center at the border crossing.

The Asia team quickly put into place a border-spanning, rapid-response text filing system to support the fast-moving story. Reporter Aijaz Hussain in New Delhi, India, along with local stringer Srishti Kafle, provided a stream of quick updates, while climate writer Sibi Arasu pitched in with reporting and explainers on the glacial collapse from Bengaluru.

In the days to come, more crews were deployed, and strong global teamwork produced an incredible package of personal narratives, explainers, dispatches, graphics, satellite imagery and maps, along with quick all-format updates.

The impressive cross-format reporting was reflected in the metrics, with extensive usage by global audiences and customers.

Judges praised the bravery and resourcefulness of the team in covering the immediate aftermath of the disaster. Their work dominated global coverage of the floods, demonstrated excellent collaboration and led to an engaging package of varied, cross-format work.

For rapid response and unmatched coverage of a top global story, Shrestha, Mansingh, Arasu, Hussain and Kafle win this week’s Best of the AP — First Winner.