#CycloneYaas: Odisha Registered 750 Childbirths As Cyclone Ripped Through State

Cyclone Yaas may have wreaked havoc causing widespread destruction across the north coastal districts of Odisha, but everything about it wasn't gloomy. At least 750 babies were born in 10 coastal districts of Odisha on May 25 & 26 during the Cyclone Yaas.

Moreover, some families even rushed to name their newborns 'Yaas' to make the event a part of their lives forever. Several of these children were reportedly born on Tuesday night (May 25), just hours prior to the landfall of the Cyclone. However, there were several other babies who saw the light of the world around the time when the very severe cyclonic storm Yaas made it's landfall on Wednesday (May 26) noon.

The Cyclone Yaas got its name from Oman, and Yaas is a word from the Persian language meaning 'Jasmine.' According to the Odisha Women and Child Development and Mission Shakti, at least 4,555 pregnant women were shifted to hospitals prior to the landfall.

Moreover, many women in the last leg of their pregnancy were moved to 'Maa Gruha' or delivery centres and other local hospitals. A few of these women gave birth in the multi-purpose shelter homes with the aid of Anganwadi and ASHA workers. As per reports, the worst-affected Balasore district, registered 165 births. Bhadrak registered 60 childbirths during the time.