After Burevi, Cyclone 'Arnab' may hit TN

Chennai: A few days after cyclone Burevi and Nivar hit Indian coastal regions, Tamil Nadu could be hit by a new cyclone named 'Arnab'.

Contrary to what one would think at first, the name 'Arnab' has nothing to do with the news anchor caught in controversies. The name was rather part of a list containing 169 names suggested by various countries like Myanmar, Iran, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, with the low-pressure area over Gulf of Mannar remaining stationary, the associated cyclonic circulation will continue to influence rainfall at isolated places over Kerala. Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Idukki and Malappuram have been put on orange alert for heavy rainfall.

Cyclones forming in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian sea are named from a list prepared by 13 countries – India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Yemen.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had released a list of cyclone names a few months after cyclone Fani and Vayu hit India's coastal cities.

While the practice of naming of natural disasters is almost a century old, India had started naming cyclones from the year 2004 with the first cyclone named as "Agni". Names of cyclones can also be suggested by the public provided they meet certain criteria.

The name has to be short and readily understood. It cannot be culturally demeaning or convey unintended potentially inflammatory meaning.

'Cyclone Arnab' comes from Bangladesh and is one of the 169 names suggested this year by 13 countries, including India. Some of the names for cyclones that were suggested by Bangladesh include Nisarga, Biparjoy, Arnab, Upakul. Gati, Tej, Murasu, and Aag have been submitted by India. Iran suggested Nivar, Hamoon, Akvan, and Sepand.

Cyclone Burevi derived its name from the Maldives. Other cyclone names suggested by the Maldives include Midhili, Kaani, and Odi. Tauktae, Michaung, Ngamann, and Kyarthi have been recommended by Myanmar.