Navsari Declares Holiday in Schools Amid Flood Threat 

Navsari, Gujarat — In response to intense rainfall and rising river levels, the Navsari District Development Officer (DDO) on Sunday night ordered the closure of all schools and Anganwadi centres in Navsari city and Jalalpore taluka for Monday. The precautionary move follows heavy downpours that led to waterlogging, river overflow, and evacuation of over 500 residents.

The announcement came directly from the DDO’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, where it was stated, “In view of public safety and waterlogging conditions due to continuous rains and river water inflow, all schools and Anganwadis in Navsari and Jalalpore will remain closed on Monday.”

South Gujarat was lashed by widespread rainfall over the weekend, particularly affecting Surat, Navsari, and Bardoli. In Navsari, the situation turned alarming as the Purna and Kaveri rivers swelled, breaching danger levels and triggering flash flooding in several low-lying areas including Shanta Devi Road, Lokmata, Gadhewan, and the Fish Market area.

One resident, Mukesh Parmar of Gadhewan, described the tense hours before the water receded: “By midnight, the water had entered homes. We were afraid we’d lose everything. Thanks to quick evacuation efforts, we are safe.”

Disaster response teams, along with local administration, worked overnight to relocate hundreds of residents to safer zones. Relief came early Monday as the rain subsided and water levels in the Purna river began to fall, temporarily defusing the flood threat.

According to district officials, the river was flowing above the danger mark on Sunday evening but began receding by Monday morning. “Continuous monitoring is being done. Though the immediate threat has reduced, we’re still on alert,” a district officer said.

The DDO urged citizens to avoid venturing near riverbanks and to follow updates from official sources. While schools are closed for now, further decisions will be made based on weather developments.