Bhubaneswar, Oct 14 (IANS): As many as 245 babies were born in Odisha districts the day these were hit by the cyclonic storm 'Hudhud', authorities said Tuesday.

The babies were born Oct 12 at different hospitals in the eight southern districts of the state where the cyclonic storm made its impact.

The hospital staff at several hospitals have now suggested the newborns be named after the cyclone.

While 29 babies were born in Gajapati district, 25 in Kandhamal, 44 in Koraput, 15 in Malkangiri, 52 in Nabarangpur, seven in Rayagada, 38 in Kalahandi, and 35 in Ganjam, state public health director K.C. Das said.

He said the department ensured power supply was available in the hospitals with the help of generators.

Power distribution systems in these districts have been damaged as uprooted trees fell on overhead power lines, snapping conductors at many locations.

Officials said 397 expecting women were admitted to various hospitals Oct 11, a day before the cyclone hit south Odisha.