A monsoon depression in the Bay of Bengal has matured into Cyclonic Storm Daye, marking the first named storm in the Bay of Bengal for the year. The name of cyclone was provided by Myanmar.
Understanding Cyclone Formation
Cyclones emerge from an extremely low-pressure system characterized by high-speed winds swirling around it. The creation and development of such systems are influenced by various elements including wind speed and direction, temperature, and humidity levels.
Before the formation of clouds, water absorbs heat from the surrounding atmosphere which enables its transformation into vapour. When this water vapour reverts back to a liquid state forming raindrops, the accumulated heat is liberated into the surrounding atmosphere. This released heat warms the surrounding air, inducing it to ascend and causing a subsequent decrease in pressure. This prompts more air to rush towards the center of the storm. This process is cyclic and thus maintains the storm.
Cyclones, particularly hurricanes derive their energy primarily from heat stored in seawater. However, their strength can be negated by the presence of upper-level winds that disrupt their circulation, forcing them to relinquish their power.
Naming Conventions for Cyclones
Hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones are identical phenomena given different names based on their geographical occurrence. In the Atlantic region, they’re referred to as Hurricanes, in the Pacific as Typhoons, and in the Indian Ocean, they’re known as Cyclones.
For the Indian ocean region, eight nations, including Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, form part of the storm-naming process, with the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) in New Delhi serving as the central governing body.
Each participating nation prepares a list of ten potential storm names. From these submissions, RSMC selects eight names from each country and compiles them into eight separate lists featuring the approved names. This practice has been in place since 2004, with cyclones being named in accordance with lists approved by RSMC.
Assigning names to cyclonic storms serves a crucial purpose. It assists in the easy identification of storms during the issuance of warning messages. The utilization of names as opposed to numbers or technical jargon is easier for the general public to recall, thereby facilitating swift disaster risk awareness, adequate preparedness, comprehensive management, and successful reduction.