Kathmandu, August 31:
A devastating flood in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers has claimed the lives of 919 people, with 903 fatalities reported in Nepal alone and over 4,200 individuals missing. Amid this tragedy, a principal in Nepal demonstrated remarkable leadership by saving approximately 1,600 schoolchildren.
The incident occurred at the Tribhuvan Trishuli Secondary School in the Trishuli Valley of northern-central Nepal, where 1,600 students are enrolled. On August 26, when the flood hit, the school was open, and around 900 children were present.
Principal Rajendra Dawadi was alerted by a friend about the rising floodwaters threatening nearby villages. He immediately took action, ringing the school bell to alert everyone.
Upon learning that 700 students were still on their way to school, Rajendra contacted all bus drivers and instructed them not to bring the buses to the school. Despite the school being situated 200 feet above the river, he acted swiftly without delay.
As the situation escalated, parents began calling Rajendra, warning him that floodwaters were rapidly approaching the school. He promptly redirected the buses back. Reports indicate that as one bus turned around, the bridge in front of the school collapsed.
In the chaos, Rajendra ordered all teachers to lead the students to higher ground. They successfully evacuated the children, and after ensuring everyone was safe, he also climbed the hill himself. In total, 1,644 individuals were present at the school, and thanks to Rajendra’s quick thinking, 1,643 were saved. Tragically, only one teacher, Santos Pariyar, lost his life in the flood.
Rajendra expressed that the school collapsed within 30 seconds of reaching safety. He mentioned that without assistance, they would be unable to continue educating the children, as the school was completely destroyed and the connecting bridge was also washed away.
Having studied at the same school, Rajendra has appealed for help from India. He recalled that during the earthquake in Nepal, India had assisted in rebuilding the school and had even donated a bus.