A massive stream of water mixed with huge boulders, mud, and uprooted trees was flowing relentlessly at a dangerous speed in a remote corner of Nepal. It had carved its own path, toppling buildings both large and small. Amid death and destruction all around, a small family was holding on to life in their green-colored house. Surrounded by water on all sides, they huddled on their balcony, hoping their modest home would survive the constant pounding and that they would live to see another day. Miraculously, both the family and the house survived the flash flood.
A viral video of the incident has now triggered a debate on social media about why the structure passed this ultimate test of durability without crumbling under the lateral pressure from the wall of water. Structural engineering experts have also joined the discussion, clarifying that it wasn’t pure luck; the house stood firm while most neighbouring structures collapsed within minutes of contact.
