Credited from: SCMP
In a remarkable act of foresight, Principal Rajendra Dawadi evacuated over 900 students and 16 faculty members from Tribhuvan Trishuli Secondary School in Bidur, Nepal, just minutes before devastating floods struck the area. The warning came from his accountant, who received a call about the impending flood, providing Dawadi with only 14 minutes to act. The flooding resulted from a glacial collapse in the Himalayas and has reportedly led to over 900 deaths while causing thousands to go missing, according to Reuters, Los Angeles Times, and Channel News Asia.
Upon receiving the alarm, Dawadi swiftly ceased classes and ordered everyone to evacuate the building, guiding students and staff toward higher ground. Unfortunately, two staff members remain missing, underscoring the flood's catastrophic impact. As the principal, who has spent years at the school, watched it get swept away, he expressed deep sorrow for the loss, emphasizing the emotional toll on the community, reports South China Morning Post and Channel News Asia.
The floods not only destroyed the school, but they have also jeopardized the education of nearly 19,000 students, as confirmed by Save the Children. At least 69 schools in northern Nepal were reported completely destroyed, adding further stress to a region already impacted by previous natural disasters, according to Los Angeles Times and South China Morning Post.
Dawadi's decisive actions have been met with gratitude from parents, with one mother stating that he was like "a God" for saving her daughter. Despite the acknowledgment of his heroism, Dawadi remains humble, affirming that his primary duty is to protect his students and quickly advocating for the reconstruction of schools to resume education, as reiterated by Reuters and Los Angeles Times.