The recent onslaught of two typhoons, Maysak and Haishen, in the Korean Peninsula and Japan has brought into focus the powerful and destructive nature of these tropical cyclones. Their ability to uproot trees, bring down power lines, and cause intense rain showers can have catastrophic consequences.
Understanding Typhoons
At the core, typhoons are a kind of storm known scientifically as tropical cyclones. These circular storms originate over warm tropical oceans and are characterized by their intense winds that speed more than 119 kilometres per hour accompanied by heavy rains. Tropical cyclones, however, are not universally called typhoons. Their names change depending on their geographical location.
In the China Sea and Pacific Ocean, they are referred to as Typhoons, while they are named Hurricanes in the West Indian islands in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. In the Guinea lands of West Africa and southern USA, these phenomena are known as Tornados. They go by the name of Willy-willies in north-western Australia and are designated as Tropical Cyclones in the Indian Ocean Region.
The Category 4 Typhoons: Maysak and Haishen
Both typhoons Maysak and Haishen were categorized as category 4 hurricane storms. This categorisation is done based on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which rates hurricanes on a scale of 1 to 5 based on wind speed. A Category 4 storm possesses wind speeds between 130-156 mph which are strong enough to uproot trees and bring down power lines. Any hurricane that reaches category three or higher is classified as a major hurricane as these storms cause significant damage.
Naming Convention of Typhoons
The naming convention for typhoons varies globally. In Japan, the first typhoon to occur after January 1st is named as typhoon number 1, and the count continues throughout the year. For example, Typhoon Maysak and Haishen have been referred to as typhoon number 9 and 10 in Japan.
In contrast, Hurricanes in the USA are referred to by English names. The Typhoon Committee, an intergovernmental organisation with 14 member countries including Japan, USA, and China, has a different approach. They use Asian names for typhoons, where each name is contributed by the member countries.
For instance, the name Maysak comes from a Cambodian word for a type of tree, while Haishen means sea god in Chinese. This naming system adds a cultural element and helps in easier identification amongst the masses.
Typhoons are powerful meteorological events that pose significant threats due to their high wind speeds and intense rainfall. Understanding their categorization, naming conventions and geographical prevalence can contribute towards better preparedness and response strategies.
Last Modified: February 9, 2024