KATHMANDU: A school principal in Nepal evacuated around 900 students to higher ground after receiving warnings that a fast-moving flood was approaching the Trishuli Valley, potentially saving hundreds of lives.
According to an international news agency, Principal Rajendra Dawadi was at school when colleagues alerted him that floodwaters were rapidly moving through the valley, damaging homes, bridges and entire villages. Although the flooding had not yet been officially confirmed, he decided to act immediately.
Students Evacuated to Higher Ground
After receiving further warning about the potential danger, Dawadi rang the school bell and instructed students and staff to leave the building and move towards a nearby hill.
The principal said he decided to close the school and evacuate the children to safety. As the group reached higher ground, floodwaters continued to rise, and the school was eventually overwhelmed by water, mud, rocks and debris.
Two Staff Members Remain Missing
The evacuation helped protect hundreds of students, but two members of the school staff were unable to leave the building in time and remain missing, according to the report.
The incident occurred amid devastating flooding in areas near the Nepal-China border. The report said the floods have killed more than 900 people, while more than 4,000 remain missing.