1600 Babies Born Amid Cyclone Fury In Odisha, Some Named ‘Dana’

Bhubaneswar: Amid anxious moments caused by severe cyclonic storm ‘Dana’, which made landfall in Odisha, the disaster brought good news for many as at least 1600 babies were born during its fury in the state. Some of them were reportedly named after the storm – ‘Dana.’

After holding a review meeting to take stock of the situation following the landfall, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi shared the information about the birth of 1,600 babies during the cyclone.

The CM also mentioned about 6,000 pregnant women being safely evacuated and admitted to different medical centres and hospitals ahead of the landfall of the cyclone.

As the cyclone fury also brought moments of celebrations for many with the birth of 1600 babies, some families decided to name the newborns after the cyclonic storm.

As per information from Bhadrak district, a baby boy was delivered at Dhusuri hospital while a severe storm raged outside. The medical staff ensured a safe delivery on Wednesday, leading officials to quickly suggest the name “Little Dana” for the newborn.

Similarly, another woman from Cuttack’s Niali also delivered a baby boy at a hospital during the cyclone. As he was born during the cyclone, family members said they are planning to name him ‘Dana.’

In Bhadrak, Subha Mallik of Kantika village under Dhamnagar block experienced joyful moments when she safely delivered the healthy baby boy, prompting the hospital staff as well as the family to name the child after the storm.

As per reports, given the State Government’s stress on zero casualty and safe evacuation of people in susceptible areas, the Bhadrak district administration had shifted expectant mothers to health centres in case any emergency arises.

Narrating her experience, Subha said she received a call from the administration asking her to get admitted to the hospital ahead of the cyclone landfall. She complied and got admitted to Dhusuri health and wellness centre. A while later, as luck would have it, Subha went into labour safely delivering a baby boy. Subha’s relatives said the boy will be named ‘Dana’ as he was born amid the cyclone. His birth amid turbulent conditions will always remind the family of the joy and hope he brought while everyone was bracing for the cyclone, a relative said.

Hospital authorities said both the mother and the newborn are in good health.