In Nepal's Rasuwa district, teachers at Neelakantha Secondary School take attendance each morning, marking a painful reminder of the August 26 flood disaster. The catastrophic flood, triggered by a glacial collapse near the China-Nepal border, killed over 1,400 people, mostly in Nepal. The school, situated on relatively higher ground, remained intact but lost 70 students and four teachers. Principal Madhav Lamichhane said every family in Rasuwa has lost a member.
The flood swept away roads, bridges, and settlements in the mountainous regions, leaving over 5,000 people missing in Nepal. At Neelakantha Secondary School, most of the missing students were on their way to school from riverside settlements when floodwaters tore through the valley. Teacher Rama Paudel said they remember their students with every breath, and their loss is a great one. The school has 508 students, but fewer than half have resumed classes since lessons restarted two weeks ago.
According to government data, around 500 students and 24 teachers remain missing across Rasuwa and neighboring districts, while 18 schools have been damaged, with recovery costs estimated at up to $15.47 million. Education ministry spokesman Shree Prasad Bhattarai said this is the worst situation the education sector has experienced. Initial assessments by UNICEF show learning has been disrupted for over 14,000 children at 62 schools and learning centers across the flood-affected region.
UNICEF representative Alice Akunga said education is critical for children's recovery after a disaster, providing stability, routine, and hope. However, many families cannot send their children back to school yet. Principal Lamichhane said around 150 students are unable to reach the school due to damaged bridges and roads. Some classrooms have been repurposed as relief distribution centers, highlighting the challenges of restoring normalcy.
Teachers say psychological scars may be harder to overcome than damaged infrastructure. Teacher Shiva Ram Bhatta said many students have lost parents or seen friends being swept away, making it difficult for them to focus. Relief supplies are reaching survivors, but the next phase of recovery will require more than food and shelter. Bhatta emphasized the need for psychosocial therapy and a permanent solution to help students feel normal again.
The flood disaster has had a devastating impact on the education sector in Nepal. The government and aid organizations are working to restore learning and provide support to affected students and teachers. However, the road to recovery will be long and challenging. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is providing aid and assistance to Nepal.
As Nepal begins the recovery process, the focus will shift from relief efforts to rebuilding and providing long-term support. The government, with the help of organizations like UNICEF, will need to prioritize education and provide resources to help students and teachers overcome the trauma of the disaster. The road ahead will be difficult, but with support and aid, Nepal can begin to rebuild and recover.
Key points
- Over 1,400 people killed and 5,000 remain missing in Nepal's flood disaster.
- Education sector severely impacted, with 18 schools damaged and 14,000 children affected.
- Teachers and students face psychological trauma, requiring psychosocial therapy and support.
