Why Cyclonic Storm Named ‘Roanu’?

BHUBANESWAR: The cyclonic storm that is likely to pass through along and off Odisha and Andhra Pradesh coasts has been christened as Roanu. The cyclonic storm has been named by Maldives.

The word “Roanu” means “coir rope” in Maldivian (Dhivehi), said sources.

The practice of naming tropical cyclones, which began years ago, is meant to help in their quick identification in warning messages as names were found to be much easier to remember the technical terms, said Bhubaneswar Met department director Sarat Chandra Sahu.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) which issues cyclone advisors to eight countries has a list of names contributed by these countries. India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand provide names for cyclones form over the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

Every time a cyclone occurs, a name is picked in the order of the names submitted by these countries.

Several cyclonic storms have been named by these countries these include Phailin, Hudhud, Nilofar.

The Indian names include Agni, Akash, Bijli, Jal, Lehar, Megh, Sagar and Vayu.

Onil, Ogni, Nisha, Giri, Chapala, Ockhi and Fani are christened by Bangladesh. Hibaru, Gonu, Keila, Madi, Roanu, Mekunu and Hikaa are named by Maldives.

Pyarr, Yemyin, Phyan, Thane, Nanauk, Kyant, Daye and Kyarr are all Myanmar names while Fanoos, Laila, Nilam, Vardah, Titli and Bulbul are Pakistani names.