More Than 7,000 Students Affected by Bhote Koshi-Trishuli River Floods: How to Ensure Continuity of Education?
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Authorities report that the devastating flooding on Wednesday has affected more than 7,000 students across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts.
The sudden floods have damaged 21 schools in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading, according to Assistant Spokesperson of the Ministry of Education and Sports, Birbahadur Dhami.
“Approximately 7,200 students from 21 community and institutional schools—6 in Rasuwa, 7 in Nuwakot, and 8 in Dhading—have been affected,” he told the news outlet.
Officials indicate that schools in Rasuwa and Nuwakot have suffered the most damage from the flood.
“Six schools in Rasuwa sustained significant damage, and among the seven affected schools in Nuwakot, four were severely damaged,” Assistant Spokesperson Dhami added.
Local education officials report that some schools in Nuwakot were filled with mud and debris.
Suryabahadur Khatri, Head of the Education Development and Coordination Unit in Nuwakot, confirmed that four of the seven affected schools are completely destroyed.
Teachers and Students Out of Contact
Authorities have reported that some teachers and students have lost contact since the flooding.
According to the latest information provided by the ministry, 213 students and 9 teachers remain out of contact.
Dhami noted that in Rasuwa, some headmasters and ward members are also currently unreachable.
However, Khatri from Nuwakot stated that no students or teachers have been reported missing there so far.
“Before the flood arrived, everyone was moved to safe locations, so no unfortunate incidents occurred,” he said.
Particularly, the evacuation of nearly 1,600 students and 150 teachers from Tribhuvan Trishuli Secondary School in Nuwakot has been acknowledged with appreciation.
Image source, Getty Images
‘Resuming Classes at Original Locations Is Not Feasible’
Local and federal officials have stated that the extent of damage makes it impossible to resume education at some of the oldest schools.
This scenario is especially evident in Rasuwa, which sustained the most severe damage, followed by the affected schools in Nuwakot.
“It is not possible to conduct classes again at fully damaged schools. Without alternatives, education cannot be provided at those school premises,” Khatri stated.
Assistant Spokesperson Dhami echoed the sentiment, indicating that there is no immediate possibility of reopening classes.
“We cannot even think of returning there right now,” he emphasized.
What Are the Future Plans?
Federal government officials stated that current efforts in the affected areas are focused primarily on relief and rescue operations.
They explained that even after completing these operations, restarting education immediately at original sites may not be feasible.
“Once conditions stabilize, education can resume by identifying nearby alternatives,” Khatri said.
He emphasized the need to encourage affected students to attend classes at other nearby schools.
Similarly, the ministry is in the preparatory stage of discussing practical options and progressing accordingly.
“Currently, maps of temporary or nearby schools can be drawn up to incorporate affected students,” Dhami added.
He mentioned plans to reach appropriate decisions in coordination and consultation with federal, provincial, and local authorities.
However, significant progress in resuming teaching and learning within the next week does not seem likely.
Officials have also stated that parents, students, and teachers in affected regions are all traumatized, highlighting the need for psychological and social support before education continues.
“First comes rescue, treatment, and investigation. Then social and mental counseling will be provided. After reintegrating them into social life, education will proceed,” Dhami explained.
He also noted the possibility of modifying the curriculum to ensure no compromise on learning in the affected areas.
Commitment to Support
Image source, Reuters
Education Ministry officials reported that in discussions this week with national and international partners, they have received commitments for necessary support in the education sector.
Various United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations have pledged to provide necessary assistance.
“UN agencies and NGOs have promised to supply educational materials, tents, and kits for children,” Dhami said.
“They have committed to support through emergency budgets and to mobilize additional resources from their headquarters,” he added.
The federal government also indicated that it can allocate funds from its own budgets for reopening schools.