[CA/GK/Geog] Naming of Cyclones in Indian Ocean

Naming of Cyclones

Why name cyclones?

·        Traditionally, cyclones were named by weather bodies, according to latitude-longitude method.

·        But it was difficult to remember and communicate the names in numerical or combination of altitude-longitude data.

·        Naming them after a person/flower/animal etc. makes it easier for the media to report on tropical cyclones, increases community preparedness, also helps in quick information exchange between faraway stations, ships etc.

How are cyclones named?

·        Initially, a committee of WMO (World Meteorological Organization) started preparing and maintaining the names of cyclones of Atlantic Ocean.

·        Then WMO divided the world Oceans into Basins and assign the responsibility of naming the Cyclones to the respective regional bodies.

·        Today, there are 5 such regional bodies, called Regional Specialized Meteorological Centers (RSMC)

·        They all follow their own rules in naming cyclones. Some rotate the same list every 6 years while some are not. Some alternate names between boy and girl, others don’t.

How are cyclones named around Indian Ocean?

The regional body for North Indian Ocean (8 countries)

1)     Oman

2)     Pakistan

3)     India

4)     Sri Lanka

5)     Maldives

6)     Bangladesh

7)     Myanmar

8)     Thailand

·        They all suggest names. Finally India Meteorological Department (IMD), New Delhi assigns the name.

·        They select short names so that people can remember easily. Names are selected which are not associated with any person or religious or any controversial issue.

·        This method is only for North Indian Ocean cyclones. In the Australian region they’ve separate system i.e. alternate naming after boy and girl, and so on.

·        But one rule is common among all five bodies: if a storm causes extreme damage- its name is removed from the list (so it cannot be used again for naming another storm/cyclone). Example: Katrina, Mitch and Tracy.

List of Cyclonic Names in North Indian Ocean

Nations	Bangladesh	India	Maldives	Myanmar
List I	Onil	Agni	Hibaru	Pyarr
List II	Ogni	Akash	Gonu	Yemyin
List III	Nisha	Bijli	Aila	Phyan
List IV	Giri	Jal	Keila	Thane
List V	Helen	Lehar	Madi	Nanauk
List VI	Chapala	Megh	Roanu	Kyant
List VII	Ockhi	Sagar	Mekunu	Daye
List VIII	Fani	Vayu	Hikaa	Kyarr
Shaded portions names are already coined

	Oman	Pakistan	Sri Lanka	Thailand
List I	Baaz	Fanoos	Mala	Mukda
List II	Sidr	Nargis	Rashmi	Khai Muk
List III	Ward	Laila	Bandu	Phet
List IV	Murjan	Nilam	Viyaru	Phailin
List V	Hudhud	Nilofar	Ashoba	Komen
List VI	Nada	Vardah	Maarutha	Mora
List VII	Luban	Titli	Gaja	Phethai
List VIII	Maha	Bulbul	Pawan	Amphan
Shaded portions names are already coined

 World Meteorological Organisation

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Ø  Formed in 1950

Ø  HQ: Geneva, Switzerland

Ø  World Meteorological Day: March 23

Indian Meter logical Department (IMD)

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Ø  Formed in 1875

Ø  Under the Ministry of Earth Sciences

Ø  HQ: New Delhi

Ø  IMD is responsibility for forecasting, naming and distribution of warnings for tropical cyclones in the Northern Indian Ocean region, including the Malacca Straits, the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf

Ø  Operates hundreds of observation stations across India and Antarctica.

Ø  IMD has 6 Regional Meteorological Centers (Chennai, Guwahati, Kolkata, Mumbai, Nagpur and New Delhi)

Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology or IITM @ Pune