'Asani' turns into severe cyclonic storm, Odisha and West Bengal on alert

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Cyclone 'Asani' formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal intensified into a severe cyclonic storm on Sunday evening.

• According to the India Meteorological Department, 'Asani' has turned into a 'severe' cyclonic storm, moving towards the east coast at a speed of 95-105 kmph.

• Due to Asani, three states of West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are expected to be affected where the Meteorological Department has been alerted.

• Important facts

• Asani means “wrath” in Sinhalese.

• The list of names of cyclones was released in 2020 with 169 names, which included 13 names from 13 countries.

• The cyclone that will form after Asani will be called Sitrang, and the name has been given by Thailand.

• Ghurni, Probaho, Jhar and Murasu are the upcoming names of cyclones from India.

• Other cyclonic storms’ names include Biparjoy (Bangladesh), Asif (Saudi Arabia), Diksam (Yemen) and Toofan (Iran) and Shakti (Sri Lanka).

• Names from India that have been used already include Gati, Megh, Akash.

• Other designations that have been used earlier included Ogni, Helen and Fani from Bangladesh; and Laila, Nargis and Bulbul from Pakistan.

• There are six Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres (RSMCs) and five Regional Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres around the world, responsible for issuing advisories and naming cyclonic storms.

• The naming of cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea began in September 2004.