Students’ Hopes Rise as Schools Reopen Following Devastating Bhote Koshi-Trishuli Floods

Schools that had been temporarily closed due to the catastrophic floods in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers have started to reopen. Students affected by the floods have expressed a sense of relief. School officials are emphasizing extracurricular activities alongside the academic curriculum to help students regain a sense of normalcy.

According to a report released by the District Administration Office of Nuwakot, six schools in the district were completely damaged, and three schools sustained partial damage due to the floods. In Vidur Municipality, the Shaheed Jagat Prakash Jung Shah Sanskrit Secondary School located in Devighat resumed operations on September 17. Principal Manju Chitrakar shared that various sports and counseling programs are currently underway for the students.

Situated near the Trishuli River, this school serves approximately 800 students. Principal Chitrakar explained that the school offers education from pre-school to grade 10, with Sanskrit taught from grades 6 through 10. She stated, “On the first day the school reopened, some students could not attend due to lack of access to roads and bridges or fear. We are now focusing on various activities to boost the students’ morale.” Biraj Chitrakar, a student who has been staying at a holding center and with relatives after his home was swept away by the flood, said reopening the school has made spending time easier and that interacting with teachers and friends has helped reduce his fears.

Biraj recounted that on the day the flood occurred, he had gone to play futsal, and the floodwaters washed away his school uniform and books. He expressed concerns about whether another major flood might again damage the school given its proximity to the river. “The closure of the school after the flood brought significant hardship. It was very disheartening not to meet friends. Talking with friends lifted my spirits,” he said. Student Prakriti Chitrakar shared that the flood destroyed her childhood home and many memories. “I forget my sorrows when I come to school, but on the way home, I realize that my house has been washed away by the flood. That makes me very sad again,” she said. Parent Ranjana Shrestha conveyed a sense of relief when the school reopened but noted, “Children are still experiencing fear and anxiety.” Experts have pointed out that although children feel some relief after returning to school following a lengthy closure, the psychological trauma caused by the flood remains deep, and it will take time for them to fully return to normalcy.