Heroic Teacher Saves 900 Students in Nepal Flood Evacuation

In a dramatic turn of events, a headteacher in Nepal managed to save 900 students from a devastating flood that swept through the region. Rajendra Dawadi, the principal of Tribhuvan Trishuli Secondary School in Nuwakot, received a series of warnings just 10 minutes before the flood hit, enabling him to act swiftly and save the lives of his students.

The flood, which has now claimed at least 794 lives, was the result of heavy rains that caused the Trishuli River to overflow. Dawadi recounted the harrowing experience to the BBC, explaining that he received four calls within minutes, each warning of the impending disaster. A parent's urgent plea to save his daughter confirmed the severity of the situation, prompting Dawadi to order the immediate evacuation of the school.

The school building itself was later buried under mud and debris, but the quick thinking of Dawadi and his staff ensured that no students were lost. Students and teachers initially moved a few hundred meters uphill before making their way to a neighboring village, where they were stranded for two nights before rescue efforts reached them.

Yunisha Amatya, a 16-year-old student, recounted the chaos of the evacuation. "We were in the class studying when teachers came and informed us about the flood," she said. "We scrambled uphill through an escape route behind the school, trying our best to be in the safer zones. Within no time, the bazaar was swept away in front of my eyes."

The flood's rapid progression was terrifying, with the hostel building just 100 meters from the river being engulfed immediately. Despite the panic, many students remained unaware of the true danger until the teachers informed them of the flood's proximity.

The aftermath of the flood left many families in despair, as they tried to contact their loved ones. Yunisha's mother, Sabina Kumari Shrestha, described her frantic attempts to reach her daughter and husband. "I tried my daughter's number, but she was not reachable," she said. "I was afraid."

Yubaraj Amatya, Yunisha's father, rushed towards the school as soon as the flood news spread. "I thought my daughter was no more," he said. "I was so horrified, stopped my scooter, there was flooding, but I could not think of returning without my daughter."

It was not until nearly an hour later that Yubaraj received a call from Yunisha, who had managed to escape with her friends. "Finally, my daughter received my call and I couldn't stop myself, broke out... two relatives that were with me also cried and hugged me," he said.

Yunisha's mother expressed her relief upon her daughter's return. "Even my younger daughter couldn't sleep," she said. "But I felt so good to see her after three days, I am so happy and relieved."

The flood has left a lasting impact on the community, with many students now worried about their future. Yunisha said she is now thinking about what comes next. "Now I am worried about my further studies," she said.

Rajendra Dawadi, the heroic headteacher, expressed pride in the successful evacuation. "I feel proud that we saved so many lives," he said. "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."

The bravery and quick thinking of Dawadi and his staff have been hailed as a miracle in the face of the devastating flood. Their actions have not only saved the lives of 900 students but also provided hope and a sense of community in the face of tragedy.