KATHMANDU, Oct 8: Preliminary data indicate that the recent Gen Z movement has left a trail of destruction across the country, affecting 124 local levels, with complete devastation reported in 89 of them.
Neelkantha Dhakal, Director of the Center for Education and Human Resource Development, said the government began assessing damage on September 9. “Physical infrastructure, vehicles, furniture, and other assets in 89 local levels have been completely destroyed. People have even lost their homes,” Dhakal told Nagarik. “In 35 local levels, damage was partial, affecting windows, doors, and furniture. In Kaski and Chitwan, education development and coordination units were completely destroyed.”
Among provinces, Lumbini and Madhesh were hardest hit, while major urban centers including Kathmandu, Pokhara, Birgunj, and Dhangadhi bore the brunt of the impact. Detailed damage reports are still being collected and analyzed by the government.
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In the education sector, the disruption was limited: only 2 percent of schools suspended classes, while 98 percent continued operations. However, although the government had plans to maintain learning online or through alternative methods, only 74 of the 753 affected local units implemented such measures. Severely impacted areas reportedly did not prepare to continue classes.
“Due to holidays and festivals, most schools were already closed, so the disruption was minimal. Out of 36,615 schools nationwide, only 759 could not operate during the Gen Z movement on September 8 and 9,” Dhakal noted.
Only 75 local units actively maintained learning through alternative methods. Madhesh Province had 25, Lumbini 22, Karnali 23, and Bagmati 4 local units implementing emergency education plans. UNICEF, Save the Children, and other development partners supported continuous learning, particularly in Madhesh, Lumbini, and Karnali.
The Center for Education and Human Resource Development also conducted virtual discussions with principals from 422 model schools. “Children, their parents, and teachers experienced fear and anxiety. In response, the government plans to provide psychosocial counseling services as soon as schools reopen,” Dhakal added.
He emphasized that schools will also serve as shelters for victims of floods, landslides, and soil erosion. “All principals have been instructed to provide shelter in schools, with 43 schools in Kathmandu Metropolitan City designated for this purpose.” Classes remain suspended until the Chhath festival, but psychosocial counseling will be a top priority once schools reopen.
