Why is the cyclone called Roanu?

The cyclonic storm Roanu has been named by Maldives. “Roanu” means “coir rope” in Maldivian (Dhivehi).

The naming of tropical cyclones is a recent phenomenon. The process of naming cyclones involves several countries in the region and is done under the aegis of the World Meteorological Organisation.

According to Hurricane Research Division, tropical cyclones are named to provide ease of communication between forecasters and the general public regarding forecasts, watches, and warnings. Since the storms can often last a week or longer and that more than one can be occurring in the same basin at the same time, names can reduce the confusion about what storm is being described.

The North Indian Ocean region tropical cyclones were named as of 2006. The Southwest Indian Ocean tropical cyclones were first named during the 1960/1961 season.

Eight countries in the region - Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand - all contributed a set of names which are assigned sequentially whenever a cyclonic storm develops.

The World Meteorological Organization maintains the lists of given names.

The Bangladesh Meterological Department (BMD) has a list of names contributed by these countries. India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand provide names for cyclones that form over the Arabian Sea and 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 which include Phailin, Hudhud, Nilofar.

Onil, Ogni, Nisha, Giri, Chapala, Ockhi and Fani are the names of cyclones by Bangladesh.

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