Tidal surge isolates Nijhum Dwip, mother and unborn child die as hospital inaccessible

A pregnant woman and her unborn child have died at home in Nijhum Dwip, Hatiya upazila, Noakhali, after they could not be taken to hospital in time due to the isolation caused by an abnormal tidal surge that flooded roads and disrupted communication.

The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, July 15, in Islampur village of Nijhum Dwip. The deceased, Nazma Akhter, 30, was the wife of Md Haque of that village.

Local UP member Kefayet Hossain said that due to the abnormal tidal surge, various roads and paths in Islampur village were submerged, completely halting vehicular movement. When Nazma Akhter went into labour in the morning, family members tried to take her to the hospital. However, due to the communication breakdown, they could not reach any health centre or hospital.

According to relatives, Nazma Akhter died from excessive bleeding and physical complications due to lack of medical care. Her unborn child also could not be saved.

Nijhum Dwip Union Parishad Acting Chairman Lovely Akhter said Nazma already had two children and was expecting her third. However, due to the tidal water surrounding the area, the mother and her unborn child died at home.