Q10.The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called “Phailin”. How are the tropical cyclones named across the world? Elaborate.

Tropical cyclones are intense weather systems. Naming them facilitates clear identification, tracking, and disaster management, crucially avoiding confusion when multiple systems develop simultaneously.

Global Coordination and Naming Process

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and UNESCAP Tropical Cyclone Panels coordinate global naming efforts. The world's oceans are divided into regions, each served by a Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) or Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre (TCWC).

Naming Convention Details

These centres maintain pre-determined lists of names contributed by member countries in their respective regions. Names are used sequentially from these lists, often rotated, and gender-alternated in some regions. Names of particularly destructive cyclones, like 'Phailin' on the east coast, are often retired from future use to avoid insensitivity.

This systematic, globally coordinated naming convention is crucial for effective disaster risk reduction and international cooperation.