Tauktae just wreaked havoc in several Indian states. But have you wondered who gives the names to these cyclones and why are they named the way they are?
How Are Cyclones Named?
Well, cyclones are named by RSMCs(Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres) and TCWCs( Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres). India’s IMD (India Meteorological Department) is one among the six RSMCs globally.
History of Naming Cyclones
The cyclones began getting names since the year 2000. World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and USCAP (United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Panel on Tropical Cyclones decide on the cyclone names.
Countries Involved in Naming Cyclones
India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Maldives, Pakistan, Oman, Thailand, and Sri Lanka began naming cyclones in the year 2000. Another 5 nations namely Qatar, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen joined in suggesting names in 2018.
Let’s See Top 10 Cyclones That Recently Hit India and How They Were Named:
- Tauktae (May 2021): Tauktae was named Bangladesh, which means high-pitched lizard in Burmese.
- Okhi (November 2017): Okhi which originated in the Arabian Sea in November 2017, battered India and Sri Lanka was named Bangladesh. Okhi means the ‘eye’ in Bengali.
- Fani (April 2019) A strong cyclone hit the shores of Odisha and was again named Bangladesh. Fani means ‘Snake’s hood.
- Vayu (Jun 2019) hit the coast of Gujarat. It was named India, meaning Wind in Hindi and Sanskrit.
- Nisarga ( Jun 2020) made landfall in Mumbai. It was named Bangladesh, meaning Nature.
- Amphan (May 2020) One of the super cyclonic storms, Amphan hit the shores of Odisha in May 2020. The name Amphan was given by Thailand, way back in 2020, which means the ‘sky’.
- Kyarr (Oct2019): The name Kyarr, which means Tiger in Burmese was given by Myanmar. The super cyclone hit Western India, UAE, Oman, Somalia, and Socotra.
- Maha (Jan 2019): Maha was a super cyclone that weakened later as it hit the Gujarat coast. The name Maha was given by Oman
- Cyclone Hikka (Sept 2019): Cyclone Hikka was named by the Maldives. The cyclone charted its way and hit Oman.
- Cyclone Bulbul (Nov2019): Cyclone Bulbul was named by Pakistan. It hit West Bengal and Bangladesh.
Despite cyclones creating havoc, it is necessary to give them names so as to identify them. Giving unique names to cyclones help in record keeping as well as disaster management.
