Nahan, Himachal Pradesh
A major tragedy was averted in Matar area of Nahan Assembly constituency in Sirmaur district after Home Guard personnel safely rescued 43 schoolchildren and 12 staff members who became trapped inside a school due to rising water levels in a nearby river and mountain stream.
The administration received information about the incident at around 3 PM. Taking the situation seriously, Nahan SDM Rajiv Sankhyan immediately ordered a rescue operation. Police personnel, Home Guards and disaster management teams reached the spot and launched the rescue effort.
Rising Water Made Rescue Difficult
The rising water level in the river near Matar School, along with the strong flow of a mountain stream, made it difficult for the children and staff to leave the school premises. With strong currents on both sides, the situation remained challenging.
As soon as the administration was informed that children were trapped inside the school, rescue teams were activated immediately. After reaching the location and assessing the situation, the personnel developed a rescue strategy and began moving the children and staff members to a safe location.
Rescue Operation Continued for Three Hours
The rescue operation continued for approximately three hours. Home Guard personnel worked with extreme caution to bring the children out safely. Since a large number of children were involved, the operation was carried out carefully and in stages.
All 12 staff members were also safely evacuated from the school.
Disaster management teams and police personnel assisted the Home Guards during the operation. Local residents were also present and helped the administration and rescue teams wherever possible.
Carrying out rescue work amid strong water currents was challenging, but effective coordination between the different teams helped ensure that the operation was completed successfully.
All 43 Children and 12 Staff Safe
After nearly three hours of sustained rescue efforts, all 43 children and 12 staff members trapped at the school were safely brought out.
The biggest relief was that everyone was moved to a safe location in time, and no loss of life was reported in the incident.
Quick Administrative Response Proved Crucial
The administration’s prompt response played an important role in the rescue operation. Immediately after receiving the information, rescue orders were issued and the relevant teams were dispatched to the location. This allowed the operation to begin without significant delay.
The role of the Home Guard personnel was particularly important during the rescue at Matar. Working between the swollen river and the rapidly flowing mountain stream, the personnel demonstrated courage, alertness and sound judgment while evacuating the trapped children.
The prompt action of the Home Guard personnel is being appreciated at the local level. The incident also highlights the importance of rapid coordination between the administration, police and disaster-response teams during the monsoon season, particularly when water levels in rivers and mountain streams rise suddenly.
