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Nov 6, 2019

[CA/GEOG] 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
Ø  Formed in 1950
Ø  HQ: Geneva, Switzerland
Ø  World Meteorological Day: March 23
Indian Meter logical Department (IMD)
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

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