Table of Contents
The News
Asani hits A&N islands
Read about: Cyclone Mandous
Andaman Braces for Asani
How are cyclones formed?
When are cyclones formed?
Why the name Asani?
- The names of cyclones might sound random, but there’s some serious thought that goes into them. The decision to start naming cyclones in Asia and the Pacific came about in the year 2000.
- World Meteorological Organisation/United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (WMO/UNESCAP), a group of nations comprising India, Pakistan Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Oman, the Maldives, and Thailand, took the call to name cyclones since 2004. In 2018, five more nations Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen joined the group.
- The names are decided by the regional specialised meteorological centres (RSMCs) and Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs). The IMD is among six RSMCs in the world.
- Each country sends in suggestions for names and a WMO/ESCAP panel on tropical cyclones (PTC) finalises them. The names usually carry some meaning.
Why Name Cyclones?
Any name can be given?
The Names suggested by India
- India has provided 13 names for tropical cyclones in 2020.
- They include Gati, Tej, Murasu, Aag, Vyom, Jhar (pronounced Jhor), Probaho, Neer, Prabhanjan, Ghurni, Ambud, Jaladhi and Vega
- After Cyclone Asani, named by Sri Lanka, the next turn will be Thailand’s. It has suggested the name Sitrang.
The Names