Principal evacuates Nepal school, saving hundreds before flood destroys building

Rajendra Dawadi, the principal of Tribhuvan Trishuli Secondary School in Bidur, Nepal, ordered an immediate evacuation after receiving warnings of rapidly rising floodwaters in the Trishuli Valley. He rang the school bell and directed students and staff toward higher ground, while also instructing bus drivers to turn back before a bridge collapse.

The flood, triggered by a glacial outburst, later engulfed the school, destroying the building and leaving two staff members missing. At least 900 of the 1,643 enrolled students were on campus that morning; Dawadi’s swift action is credited with preventing a larger death toll.

Save the Children reported that the floods have destroyed 69 schools in northern Nepal, jeopardizing the education of nearly 19,000 children. Dawadi said the priority now is to provide psychological support for students and to rebuild schools so classes can resume, even if temporary facilities are required.

"I immediately decided to stop school and get the children out," Dawadi told reporters.

"Their parents hugged me, they cried with me," he added, describing the reaction of families after the evacuation.

Students expressed gratitude, with one 14-year-old saying she would thank Dawadi when she sees him again. The incident highlights the broader challenges Nepal faces in restoring education after the disaster.