12 Aug 2010
The Druk White Lotus School in Ladakh was hit by mudslides in the early hours of Friday 6 August.
Exceptional rain triggered flash floods and mudslides across Ladakh, with the area of the school the worst affected.
All 200 residential children were evacuated to Shey Palace on nearby high ground. Staff and children are now safe, including Arup's on-site volunteer.
The Druk White Lotus School buildings, designed by Arup and Arup Associates, withstood the mudslide which was up to 1.5m deep in places.
Internal walls and floors were damaged and will need to be replaced along with equipment and furniture. Clean up and relief work at the school has started with the help of staff and volunteers. The school's Principal, Prasad Eledath, aims to restart classes this week in a phased manner as sections are restored.
The school’s support team in London is working to help mobilise medical and disaster relief expertise to help Ladakhis affected by the mudslide.
This work will include assessing the damage and necessary repairs to the campus, risk assessment of future flooding and potential mitigation measures. The team will also provide help and advice for the surrounding towns and villages.
To make a donation to the appeal, or for further information, please visit www.dwls.org.
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