ramadiansyah
In a dramatic turn of events, a headteacher in Nepal's Nuwakot district has recounted how he managed to save 900 students from a devastating flood that hit their school. Rajendra Dawadi, the principal of Tribhuvan Trishuli Secondary School, acted swiftly after receiving a series of warnings, ensuring that the children were safely evacuated just 10 minutes before the floodwaters surged.
The flood, which has now resulted in at least 794 fatalities, was preceded by a series of urgent calls to Dawadi. The principal received four separate warnings in quick succession, which he credits with helping him make the crucial decision to evacuate the school. "If we didn't make a quick decision, if it was 10 minutes later, we all - including the students and me - wouldn't be able to speak to you today," he told the BBC.
The flood's impact was immediate and devastating. The school building, along with a hostel located just 100 meters from the river, was quickly engulfed by the surging waters. Despite the chaos, Dawadi's leadership and the quick thinking of the staff and students ensured that the evacuation was carried out efficiently.
Many students were initially unaware of the severity of the situation. Yunisha Amatya, a 16-year-old pupil, recounted the harrowing experience. "Just before the flood came, we were in the class studying. Teachers had gathered in one place and initially had no idea what had happened," she said. It was only after receiving a warning from teachers that the students were informed of the impending disaster and instructed to leave the school.
The evacuation was a race against time. Yunisha and her friends scrambled uphill through an escape route behind the school, with the local market being swept away before their eyes. "We tried our best to be in the safer zones then. We escaped through a narrow ladder from the backside of the school," she added.
The school and its surrounding area were left in ruins following the flood. The principal and Yunisha, who both reside across the river from the school, were eventually airlifted back to their home village. Meanwhile, parents were desperately trying to contact their children and relatives, with many remaining stranded for two nights before rescue efforts reached them.
Yunisha's mother, Sabina Kumari Shrestha, expressed her relief upon learning of her daughter's safety. "Even my younger daughter couldn't sleep. But I felt so good to see her after three days (Friday), I am so happy and relieved," she said. Yunisha, however, is now worried about her future studies. "Now I am worried about my further studies," she said.
The flood's aftermath has left a lasting impact on the community. The principal, Dawadi, feels a profound sense of pride in his role in saving so many lives. "I feel proud that we saved so many lives," he said. The quick thinking and decisive action of Dawadi and his team have become a testament to the power of preparedness and community spirit in the face of disaster.
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