Cyclone Dana, the latest severe cyclonic storm developing over the Bay of Bengal, has garnered attention as it heads towards the eastern coast of India. Expected to intensify into a severe storm, the cyclone is set to make landfall late on Thursday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for heavy rainfall across Odisha and West Bengal, with weather disturbances already being felt in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Naming Cyclone Dana

Cyclone Dana was named by Qatar, adhering to the tropical cyclone naming system overseen by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).

The name "Dana" translates to "generosity" in Arabic, a fitting choice from Qatar as part of the regional practice for naming such storms. The process of naming cyclones is not random; it follows a well-structured system designed to simplify communication, reduce confusion, and raise awareness about the potential impact of the storms.

How Cyclones Are Named

Cyclones in the region are named by a group of countries under the WMO's jurisdiction. The current group includes Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and more recent members like Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

This system was introduced in 2000, with each member country required to submit a list of 13 names. These suggestions are reviewed and approved by a WMO panel, resulting in a rotating list of names for upcoming cyclonic storms.

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The names are chosen thoughtfully to reflect cultural or linguistic significance in the region, with recent storms such as Biparjoy, Nisarga, and Fani being prime examples. In August, Cyclone Asna made landfall on the Indian subcontinent, and Cyclone Dana is set to be the second significant storm to impact the region within two months.

Preparedness for Cyclone Dana

With heavy rainfall alerts issued, authorities in India are taking precautionary measures, particularly in states expected to be severely impacted, such as Odisha and West Bengal. Coastal areas are bracing for the potential fallout of the storm, with local governments ramping up evacuation plans and relief efforts to mitigate damage.

As Cyclone Dana gathers strength, meteorologists and emergency responders continue to monitor its trajectory, urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious and follow official advisories.

Sources: With inputs from agencies