Ditwah: How are tropical cyclones named?, Pg17

Key Highlights:

• Cyclone Ditwah, located near Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, is expected to weaken into a deep depression.
• Cyclones globally are named by Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres (RSMCs) and Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs).
• The WMO/ESCAP (World Meteorological Organisation/United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific) began naming cyclones in the region in 2000.
• Cyclone names are chosen on a rotational basis, adhering to neutrality and ease of pronunciation.

Detailed Insights:

• The WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones (PTC) finalizes cyclone names from suggestions submitted by member countries.
• Naming conventions require names to be politically and culturally neutral, short, and easy to pronounce.
• India Meteorological Department (IMD) is among the RSMCs responsible for naming cyclones in the Indian Ocean region.
• The practice of naming cyclones helps in quick identification in warning messages and increases public awareness of the threats.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Tropical Cyclone: A rapidly rotating storm system characterized by a low-pressure center, strong winds, and heavy rainfall.
• RSMC: Regional centers designated by the World Meteorological Organization to provide specialized meteorological services.
• WMO/ESCAP: A group of nations that coordinate the naming of cyclones in the Asia-Pacific region.