A new weather system is developing over the Bay of Bengal and could intensify into a cyclonic storm by November 16. If it reaches the required intensity, it will be named Cyclone Akvan.
While the name may sound unusual, Akvan has its roots in Iran’s contribution to the official list of cyclone names used across the North Indian Ocean. It also has a connection to Persian mythology and the country’s literary tradition.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is responsible for naming cyclones that develop over the North Indian Ocean, including the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
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The name Akvan has been included in the list submitted by Iran under the regional naming system.
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Cyclone Akvan: What Is The Origin Of The Name?
Akvan is one of the names contributed by Iran to the official list of tropical cyclone names for the North Indian Ocean.
The name also appears in Persian mythology as Akvan-e Div, a demon-like character in the celebrated Persian epic Shahnamehwritten by the poet Ferdowsi.
According to the story described in Encyclopaedia Iranica, Akvan takes the form of a wild donkey and confronts the legendary Persian hero Rostam.
In the tale, Akvan lifts Rostam into the air and asks whether he should throw him into the sea or onto a mountain. Rostam, anticipating the creature’s trick, asks to be thrown onto the mountain. Akvan does the opposite and throws him into the sea. Rostam eventually escapes and kills Akvan.
However, the official cyclone-naming list identifies Akvan as Iran’s contribution without providing a specific English meaning for the name.
How Are Cyclones Named In India?
Cyclones developing over the North Indian Ocean are named under a system established by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).
The naming system for cyclones over the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea began in September 2004. The current list was adopted in April 2020 and includes contributions from 13 countries.
These countries are Bangladesh, India, Iran, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
Each country contributes 13 names, making a total of 169 names in the current list. The names are arranged country-wise and used sequentially, column by column. Once a name has been used for a cyclone, it is not repeated.
The IMD, which serves as the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre for the North Indian Ocean, is responsible for assigning names to cyclones in the region.
A weather system is given a cyclone name once it reaches the prescribed intensity of maximum sustained wind speeds of at least 34 knots, or around 62 kmph.
Why Are Cyclones Given Names?
Cyclones are named to make it easier for meteorologists, government agencies, the media and the public to identify and track individual storms.
According to the WMO, using names instead of technical numbers or geographical coordinates makes warnings easier to communicate and remember. It also helps prevent confusion when multiple storms are active at the same time.
The naming process follows regional lists approved by the relevant meteorological bodies. Names are selected to be short, easy to pronounce and culturally appropriate.
Cyclone Akvan: What Is The Latest Update?
The IMD said a low-pressure area formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal at 5:30 a.m. on November 13. It was still located over the same region at 8:30 a.m.
According to the weather department’s forecast, the system is likely to move northwestwards and become a well-marked low-pressure area by November 14. It could intensify into a depression around the morning of November 15.
The system is then expected to move north-northwestwards and could develop into a cyclonic storm over the central Bay of Bengal by the evening of November 16.
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If the system reaches the required intensity, it will be named Akvan.
The system’s eventual track and possible impact on coastal areas will become clearer as it develops. The IMD is monitoring the weather system and is expected to issue further updates.
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