Kathmandu. Devastating floods in Nepal have caused huge devastation. Hundreds of people have lost their lives and many areas have been completely destroyed. Amidst this horrific tragedy, the wisdom of Rajendra Dawadi, Principal of Tribhuvan Trishuli Secondary School of Trishuli Valley, averted a major accident. By taking the timely decision to evacuate the school, he saved the lives of 1,643 children.
However, the school where these children studied could not itself be saved from being hit by the flood. The three-storey building was completely washed away and now only debris and mud are visible there.
News of devastation received at 9:20 am
On August 26, Rajendra Dawadi reached school as usual. At that time, about 900 children of the first shift of the school were present in the campus, while about 700 students were coming to school by bus or on foot.
Meanwhile, at around 9:20 in the morning, one of his friends called Rajendra and informed him about the terrible situation in the area. The friend told that his village has been destroyed and the river is carrying away everything in its path.
As soon as he realized the danger, Rajendra instructed the school administration to vacate the classes without any delay.
School buses were turned back en route
Along with sending the children present in the school to a safe place, the Principal also asked the school bus drivers to return from the route.
Most of the buses were sent back on time. However, Rajendra's information could not reach a bus driver. It was told that the bus reached the bridge in front of the school and was swept away by the strong current.
Despite this, the decision to evacuate the school on time resulted in averting a major accident.
Teacher and watchman killed
A teacher and watchman of the school also died amid the flood.
Social History teacher Santosh Pariyar had gone to prepare breakfast in his rented room situated on the banks of the river. During this time he was swept away in the strong current of water.
Santosh was appointed to the school just a few days ago. On the day of the accident, he had reached school earlier than usual because he had to take extra classes.
Said- 'What else could I have done?'
Local people have called Rajendra Dawadi a 'hero' for saving the lives of children. However, the principal himself does not see his role as one of great bravery.
He said that after seeing the danger, what other option did he have other than to rescue the children safely. After leaving school, he went towards the hills with the children and others and spent the day with whatever was available there.
According to Rajendra, they themselves almost got trapped, but were later taken out safely.
The school which saved the children was itself washed away in the flood.
The most poignant picture of this tragedy is that the school which saved the lives of thousands of children by evacuating it, was completely destroyed in the raging flood.
The three-storey school building of Rajendra Dawadi is now in ruins. Mud and debris are accumulated all around inside the building.
On one hand there is the pain of the destruction of the school building, while on the other hand the timely decision of the Principal has become an example of how a decision taken at the right time during a disaster can save so many lives.