Source: IE
Context: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted the formation of Cyclone “Dana,” expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Wednesday, October 23, 2024. The cyclone is set to affect Odisha and West Bengal with wind speeds of up to 120 km/h.
Cyclones and their features:
- Definition: A cyclone is a large-scale air mass that rotates around a strong center of low atmospheric pressure.
- Formation: Cyclones develop over warm ocean waters (above 26.5°C) due to the rapid upward movement of warm air, which condenses to form clouds and releases energy, fueling the system.
- Wind Speed: Cyclonic storms are categorized based on wind speeds, with severe cyclonic storms typically reaching wind speeds between 89 and 117 kmph.
- Impact: Cyclones bring torrential rain, high-speed winds, and storm surges, leading to flooding, destruction of infrastructure, and displacement of communities.
About naming cyclones:
- Origin: The naming of cyclones in the Indian Ocean region was initiated by WMO/ESCAP in 2000, comprising countries like Bangladesh, India, and others, with 169 names released in 2020.
- Member countries: Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
- In 2018, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Yemen were added.
- Purpose: Naming cyclones simplifies communication, making it easier for the public, media, and authorities to track storms and prepare for them.
- Guidelines:
- Must be short, easy to pronounce, and neutral to politics, religion, and culture.
- No name can be repeated or offensive.
- Each country provides 13 names, which are used sequentially.
- Naming process: Each member country suggests 13 names, and the list rotates when a new cyclone forms. The names must be short, easy to pronounce, neutral (politically, culturally, and religiously), and not offensive.
- Recent cyclone and nations which gave name:
| Cyclone name | Country |
| Remal | Oman |
| Asna | Pakistan |
| Dana | Qatar |
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