The catastrophic 7.8 magnitude earthquake of April 25 destroyed 10 classrooms out of 12 of Janabodh Higher Secondary School (HSS), Bagma. The school is currently running primary-level classes under two tarpaulins, which they received as quake relief. However, thunderstorms on Thursday tore apart the tarpaulins, making things more difficult.
At present, 90 primary-level students have been sharing the remaining two classrooms. "Whether the sun shines or it rains, we face difficulty running classes. The temporary classrooms heat up unbearably in the afternoon while rains and storms terrorize everyone," said Dolraj Poudel, the school's principal. "We are facing a lot of problems running classroom under makeshift tents," he added.After receiving Rs 100,000 from the district education office (DEO), the school is constructing a temporary building. "But even the temporary building would not withstand heavy rainfall during monsoon," he opined.
Poudel said they will not use tarpaulins again frequent storms and rains are expected in the days ahead. "We'll conduct classes in the two remaining classrooms until the temporary building is constructed," he added.
A building of eleven classrooms belonging to Janata HSS of Aslewa VDC has been badly damaged in the quake. As the building cannot be used for running classes, the school Principal Bhim Lal Pandey informed they have already constructed a temporary building with six classrooms. "We've started running classes in the temporary building. But even the temporary building may not withstand severe storms during monsoon," said Pandey.
Other quake-damaged schools are facing similar problems. According to Chutbhurja Panthi, computer operator at the DEO, a total of 160 schools suffered damage in the quake. "Based on the severity of damage, the DEO has provided relief ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 150,000 for 43 schools to build temporary buildings. So far, Rs 3.5 million has been distributed to quake damaged schools in the district," he informed.
At present, most of the schools have been running classes under tents or have started constructing temporary buildings. However, landslides during monsoon pose another danger to these schools.
Eleven classrooms of Bhadgau High School of Arkhel VDC were destroyed. However, the school has been running classes in under-construction classrooms, according to the school teacher Thamman KC.
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