Melbourne geologist assists in daring Nepal flood rescue

On a Wednesday morning in Nepal's Trishuli Valley, 47-year-old teacher and school principal Rajendra Dawadi arrived at his school, Tribhuvan Trishuli Secondary School, with no idea he would soon be racing to save the lives of 1,643 children. A warning from a friend at 9:20 am informed him that the village had been taken by the river.

Despite initially believing the three-story, 60-meter-high concrete building was safe, a panicked parent rushed in to warn that the water level was rapidly rising. Dawadi sounded the school bell, instructing teachers to evacuate the children and calling the school bus drivers to turn back. He noticed one bus crossing the bridge and the children began to realize their peril.

One girl experienced a panic attack and was taken uphill on a motorbike while the others fled on foot, following their principal behind. Dawadi's prompt actions saved all but one teacher, Santos Pariyar, who was killed after returning to cook breakfast and the janitor Sultan Lama, who died after attempting to close the doors. Beyond the tragic loss of life, the flash flood claimed over 700 lives in Nepal and 16 in Tibet. Rescue efforts continue amidst challenges, with China and India providing assistance.