20 years after disaster, woman remembers son ‘Tsunami’s arrival in snake-infested forest
20 years after disaster, woman remembers son ‘Tsunami’s arrival in snake-infested forest
The woman’s residence on Hut Bay Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was obliterated during the Indian Ocean tsunami that struck on December 26, 2004.
Namita Roy was only 26 years old when she brought her son, ‘Tsunami’, into the world in a snake-filled forest where she and her family sought refuge after lethal waves, triggered by a tremendous earthquake, swept away their home on Hut Bay Island on this date in 2004.
"I wish to avoid remembering that grim day. I was expectant and occupied with routine responsibilities. Unexpectedly, I perceived an unusual stillness and was horrified to observe the ocean retreating miles from our shoreline. We also perceived the zugunruhe in the birds," she recounted to PTI.
"Moments later, a frightening sound of rustling reached our ears, and we witnessed a massive wall of water surging toward Hut Bay Island, accompanied by powerful tremors. I witnessed individuals shouting and fleeing toward a small hill. I experienced a panic attack and lost consciousness.
"A few hours later, I came to find myself amidst thousands of locals deep within a hilly jungle. It was a relief to see my husband and my older son. Most of our island had been consumed by the ferocious waves. Nearly all properties were devastated," a tearful Roy expressed.
She currently resides in the Hooghly district of West Bengal with her two sons, Saurabh and Tsunami, following the passing of her husband, Laxminarayan, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"At 11:49 PM, I started experiencing labor pains, but there was no physician available. I lay on a rock and called out for assistance. My husband did everything possible but could not secure any medical aid. He then begged a few women who had also taken shelter in the jungle. With their support, I delivered Tsunami amidst incredibly difficult circumstances... the jungle was populated with snakes," Roy stated.
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