As the festival of lights, Kali Puja, draws near, coastal regions are facing a significant threat in the form of Cyclone ‘Dana.’ According to the Alipore Meteorological Department, the cyclone is expected to intensify on October 23 in the east-central Bay of Bengal. By the morning of October 24, it will approach the coasts of West Bengal and Odisha. This has raised concerns about potential widespread damage along the coastal belt.
Meteorologists predict that the wind speeds in these regions may range from 100 to 110 km/h and could surge to as high as 120 km/h. Cyclone ‘Dana,’ also spelled ‘Dhana’ by some, has been named by Qatar. The word ‘Dana’ translates to “free” in English, symbolizing freedom or independence.
Impact on Coastal Areas
Cyclone ‘Dana’ poses a significant risk to the coastal areas of West Bengal and Odisha. The Alipore Meteorological Office has issued warnings that the storm could bring heavy rain and strong winds, potentially causing damage to infrastructure, uprooting trees, and disrupting transportation. The exact landfall location of the cyclone remains uncertain at this point, but residents in coastal regions are advised to stay alert.
Why Is the Cyclone Named ‘Dana’?
Cyclones are named to simplify communication and raise public awareness in the regions they affect. The naming of cyclones is an organized process managed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and regional meteorological bodies. Cyclone ‘Dana’ has been named by Qatar as part of a rotating list of names used for tropical storms in the Indian Ocean region.
Cyclones are typically named once they reach a certain intensity. In the Atlantic Ocean, for example, storms are named when wind speeds exceed 62 km/h. In the Bay of Bengal, when atmospheric conditions suggest a strong storm will form, the regional panel assigns a name from a pre-selected list. For Cyclone Dana, Qatar proposed the name as part of its contribution to the Indian Ocean’s cyclone naming system. The word ‘Dana’ means “free,” signifying the unrestrained and unpredictable nature of such storms.
The Process of Cyclone Naming
Cyclones are named to reduce confusion, especially when multiple storms occur simultaneously. Names are chosen from lists created by regional meteorological bodies like the WMO or the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). Notably, the letters Q, U, X, Y, and Z are excluded from the naming process, as these are less commonly used. If more than 21 cyclones occur in a single year, the Greek alphabet is used to supplement the list.
In the case of Cyclone ‘Dana,’ it is part of a naming list managed by 13 countries, including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Qatar. Each country submits a list of names, and these are used in rotation when new cyclones form in the Indian Ocean.
Importance of Cyclone Naming
Naming a cyclone serves an essential purpose in disaster preparedness. It helps meteorologists and authorities communicate the potential impact of the storm more efficiently to the public. A name also aids in distinguishing between multiple cyclones during the same season and assists in tracking the storm’s development. This clear communication is critical for ensuring that people in affected regions take appropriate precautions.
In conclusion, Cyclone ‘Dana’ is rapidly approaching, and the coastal regions of West Bengal and Odisha should brace for its impact. While the exact landfall location remains unclear, the cyclone’s destructive potential underscores the importance of being prepared and staying informed.