The district of Navsari in Gujarat has been severely affected by floods, with over 1.5 lakh residents facing direct and indirect impacts. This crisis was triggered by heavy rainfall on Thursday and Friday, causing the Purna river to overflow. According to district officials, the water levels have started to recede as there was no rainfall on Saturday.
An official explained, “The intense downpour in Navsari and the upstream areas in Dang resulted in a flood-like situation due to the overflowing Purna river. On Friday, river water inundated approximately 35 to 40 percent of Navsari town, impacting over 1.5 lakh residents directly and indirectly. Additionally, the floodwaters reached 14 villages within the district.”
In response to the immediate threat, around 3,700 individuals were evacuated to shelter homes on Friday. The official noted, “With no further rainfall on Saturday, water levels began to recede in many affected areas. Our focus has now shifted to the extensive cleanup operations, involving teams from Navsari Nagar Palika, Surat Municipal Corporation, and the Regional Commissioner of Municipalities. Currently, 396 cleaning workers, five JCBs, and 30 vehicles are engaged in these activities in Navsari town.” Ensuring the health and safety of the residents remains a top priority. The official added, “We are rigorously checking water quality and conducting health check-ups across different areas of the town with the help of over 96 health officials. Additionally, four teams from the Food and Drugs Department are inspecting godowns and ration shops to ensure food safety.”
The comprehensive cleanup efforts involve a variety of equipment, including 11 robotic machines, 14 JCB machines, 12 dumpers, six trucks, and seven tractors. The official emphasised, “Our immediate priority is to restore cleanliness and sanitation in the flood-affected areas, followed by addressing health concerns. Our teams are diligently working to mitigate the aftermath of this natural disaster.” As Navsari embarks on the path to recovery, the coordinated efforts of various municipal bodies and the resilience of the community will be crucial in restoring normalcy to the region.
