On December 26, 2004, when the Indian Ocean tsunami struck, Namita Roy experienced one of the most traumatic and life-changing events of her life. Then a resident of Hut Bay Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, she was 26 years old, heavily pregnant, and managing daily chores when disaster struck.

Namita recalls the eerie stillness before the calamity. The sea receded miles from the shore, exposing the seabed, and the birds displayed unusual restlessness. Moments later, a massive wall of water surged toward the island, followed by strong tremors.

"We heard a terrifying roar and saw the water advancing rapidly. Everyone ran to higher ground," Namita said, recounting the chaos and despair of that day.

A Birth Amid the Wreckage

Amid this pandemonium, Namita was forced to flee with her husband, elder son, and others to a jungle on Lal Tikri Hills for safety. The jungle, infested with snakes and devoid of medical facilities, became their shelter. At 11:49 pm, she went into labor, and without a doctor or proper resources, she delivered her baby with the help of local women.

“I lay on a boulder, crying for help. My husband pleaded with other women who helped me deliver my son. We named him Tsunami as a reminder of the tragedy we survived,” she said.

Namita battled severe blood loss and starvation. The survivors relied on coconut water and whatever they could gather to stay alive. Despite the harsh conditions, she managed to nurse her premature baby, ensuring his survival.

Rescue and Recovery

After spending four nights in the jungle, Namita and other survivors were rescued by defense personnel and taken to GB Pant Hospital in Port Blair via ship.

“Those were the longest days of my life. The tsunami took everything from us—our home, our possessions, and even our sense of security,” Namita said, her voice heavy with emotion.

Life After the Tragedy

Today, Namita lives in Hooghly district, West Bengal, with her two sons. Her husband, Laxminarayan, tragically passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving her to raise their children alone.

Her elder son, Saurabh, works for a private shipping company, while her younger son, Tsunami Roy, aspires to become an oceanographer. “My mother is my hero,” Tsunami said. “She endured so much to keep us alive. Her resilience inspires me to serve the Andaman and Nicobar administration as an oceanographer.”

Lessons from the Past

The devastating tsunami highlighted the need for an early warning system, which was absent in 2004. Officials now assure that over 1,400 warning stations worldwide are in place, significantly improving disaster preparedness.

Namita's story is one of unimaginable courage and resilience. From giving birth in a snake-infested jungle to rebuilding her life against all odds, she serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

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