Explained: How cyclones get their unique names

It is no secret that cyclones that form in every ocean basin across the world are named by the regional specialised meteorological centres (RSMCs) and Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs) Presently, there are as many as six RSMCs in the world, including the India Meteorological Department (IMD), and five TCWCs. Let us have a detailed look at how these cyclones get their names.

How are naming the cyclones take place?

A group of nations called WMO/ESCAP (World Meteorological Organisation/United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific), that comprised India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Maldives, Pakistan, Oman,Sri Lanka and Thailand, decided to start naming cyclones in the region. After these countries sent in their suggestions, the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones (PTC) would finalise the list. The list of cyclone names that are released by the IMD last month, were provided by these countries. The IMD has issued an alert for Cyclone Amphan, which is forming over the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining south Andaman sea.

Why is it important to name cyclones?

Naming the cyclones makes it easier for people to remember them. Apart from this, it also helps the scientific community, the media, the disaster managers etc. It would be easy to identify a cyclone, ring the emergency bells on its development and raise warnings to increase community preparedness. While picking names for cyclones, there are setof rules that countries need to follow. If these rules and guidelines are following, the name is accepted by the PTC and finalises the selection.

The guidelines which needs to follow

The given name should be neutral to politics and political figures, religiuos believes, cultures, and gender. Meanwhile, name should be chosen in such a way that it does not hurt the sentiments of any community or population. The name should not be rude and cruel in nature. It should be short, easy to pronounce and should not be offensive to any member. Eight letters will be the maximum length of the name and the presented name should be submitted with its pronunciation and voice over.

Here's the new list comprises of 169 names including 13 from India such as Gati, Tej, Aag, Neer, Vyom, Jhar, Jaladhi, Murasu, Probaho, Prabhanjan, Ghumi, Ambud and Vega. The new list starts with Nisarga (shared by Bangladesh), Gati (India), Nivar (Iran).
 

 

Bangladesh	Nisarga	Biparjoy	Arnab	Upakul	Barshon	Rajani	Nishith
India	Gati	Tej	Murasu	Aag	Vyom	Jhar	Probaho
Iran	Nivar	Hamoon	Akvan	Sepand	Booran	Anahita	Azar
Maldives	Burevi	Midhili	Kaani	Odi	Kenau	Endheri	Riyau
Myanmar	Tauktae	Michaung	Ngamann	Kyarthit	Sapakyee	Wetwun	Mwaihout
Oman	Yaas	Remal	Sail	Naseem	Muzn	Sadeem	Dima
Pakistan	Gulab	Asna	Sahab	Afshan	Manahil	Shujana	Parwaz
Qatar	Shaheen	Dana	Lulu	Mouj	Suhail	Sadaf	Reem
Saudi	Jawad	Fengal	Ghazeer	Asif	Sidrah	Hareed	Faid
Sri Lanka	Asani	Shakhti	Gigum	Gagana	Verambha	Garjana	Neeba
Thailand	Sitrang	Montha	Thianyot	Bulan	Phutala	Aiyara	Saming
UAE	Mandous	Senyar	Afoor	Nahhaam	Quffal	Daaman	Deem
Yemen	Mocha	Ditwah	Diksam	Sira	Bakhur	Ghwyzi	Hawf

 

After Hawf, the list moves on to Urmi, Neer, Pooyan etc.

 

 

Bangladesh	Urmi	Meghala	Samiron	Pratikul	Sarobor	Mahanisha
India	Neer	Prabhanjan	Ghurni	Ambud	Jaladhi	Vega
Iran	Pooyan	Arsham	Hengame	Savas	Tahamtan	Toofan
Maldives	Guruva	Kurangi	Kuredhi	Horangu	Thundi	Faana
Myanmar	Kywe	Pinku	Yinkaung	Linyone	Kyeekan	Bautphat
Oman	Manjour	Rukam	Watad	Al-jarz	Rabab	Raad
Pakistan	Zannata	Sarsar	Badban	Sarrab	Gulnar	Waseq
Qatar	Rayhan	Anbar	Oud	Bahar	Seef	Fanar
Saudi	Kaseer	Nakheel	Haboob	Bareq	Alreem	Wabil
Sri Lanka	Ninnada	Viduli	Ogha	Salitha	Rivi	Rudu
Thailand	Kraison	Matcha	Mahingsa	Phraewa	Asuri	Thara
UAE	Gargoor	Khubb	Degl	Athmad	Boom	Saffar
Yemen	Balhaf	Brom	Shuqra	Fartak	Darsah	Samhah