The naming of cyclones in the North Indian Ocean region - which includes the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea - is coordinated by the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones (a United Nations body). The panel consists of 13 member countries, and each country submits a list of names that are used one after another in a fixed sequence, regardless of where the cyclone forms.
This system ensures clarity in communication, avoids confusion during weather updates, and celebrates cultural diversity through regional names.
Recent Cyclones
The recent cyclonic storms named under this system include:
- Shakthi - Named by Sri Lanka
- Fengal - Named by Saudi Arabia
- Dana - Named by Qatar
- Asna - Named by Pakistan
- Remal - Named by Oman
- Montha - Named by Thailand, meaning beautiful or fragrant flower
Next Cyclone Name: ‘Senyar’ (UAE)
After Montha, the next cyclone will be named ‘Senyar’, a name contributed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The upcoming names after Senyar are:
- Ditwah - Yemen
- Arnab - Bangladesh
- Murasu - India
This internationally coordinated naming process highlights the shared responsibility and cooperation among countries in the region to track and respond effectively to tropical cyclones.