As cyclone Phailin raged outside, the tenderest moments were experienced indoors when at least 27 babies battled their way into the world in this town in Ganjam district which bore the brunt of the storm.
The staff of different hospitals in Berhampur town where the babies were born on the night of October 12 suggested to their mothers that they be named after Phailin. Phailin is the Thai word for sapphire.
At least 27 babies were born in this town in three major hospitals--M K C G Medical College and Hospital (7), Christian Hospital (17) and City Hospital (3), doctors at the hospitals said today. They did not rule out more births elsewhere in the area at the time when the cyclone made landfall close to Gopalpur coast
"We have suggested to their parents to name their babies as Phailin as they were born during the devastating cyclonic storm", said N K Nanda, the director of Christian Hospital.
As many as 17 babies including 6 girls were born at Christian hospital amid the chaos and devastation of Phailin.
Three of them were born between 8.22 pm and 10.15 pm when the cyclonic storm was at its most powerful stage in Ganjam district and cut a trail of destruction.
All the newborns and their mothers are in good condition, Nanda said.
Lalita Barik, who delivered a baby girl at the Medical College Hospital at the time of the landfall of the cyclone, was also told by the medical staff to name her as Phailin.
The baby was undergoing treatment at the hospital after she was found to be suffering from jaundice. "The condition of the child is good and all care has been taken," a staff nurse said.
"I have lost four children earlier. But, if this time my daughter survives, defintely I will keep her name as Phailin," Lalita, who is from Khajuria, told the medical staff.
A woman from Rambha gave birth to male twins children but unluckily both could not survive.
Similarly, another woman also delivered a male child at the cyclone shelter centre at the government girls' high school here. Her relatives suggested she be named as 'Toofan' (storm).
