How Cyclone Dana was named from Arabic

‘Chul Tar Kabekar Andhakar Bidishar Nisha
Mukh Tar Srabostir Karukarjo
Oti Dur Samudrer Por
Hal Bhenge Je Nabik Harayecchhe Disha.’

The poem by the poet Jibanananda Das seems unrelated yet profoundly relevant here. The poet grew up in a region where cyclones have repeatedly shattered people's dreams and claimed lives. Yet, no matter how many times calamity strikes, humanity rises again with its inherent strength. In 2023, after the impact of cyclone 'Mokha', another cyclone named 'Dana' is on its way. According to current reports, it is expected to make landfall near the coast of Odisha's Puri and West Bengal's island on Thursday (today) and Friday (tomorrow). The effects of the cyclone may be felt in the Sundarbans and surrounding areas of Bangladesh.

Cyclone 'Dana'

The name 'Dana' has its origins in the Arabic region. Previously, several cyclones named in Arabic, including 'Mokha', which struck the coasts of Bangladesh, India, and Myanmar in 2023, have had significant impacts. 'Mokha' means 'fragrance' or 'sweet' in Arabic. Other names from Saudi Arabia include 'Subah', 'Dhar', and 'Shuruk'. Notable names from Kuwait are 'Nour' and 'Zara'. From the United Arab Emirates, names like 'Jazeera' and 'Shamal' are significant. The powerful cyclone 'Remal', which affected Bangladesh and India, was named by Oman and means 'sandy' or 'sand'.

On the other hand, the name 'Dana', given by Qatar, has emerged in discussions about cyclones for the first time. 'Dana' is an Arabic word, meaning 'donation' or 'to show kindness', and it can also refer to 'a large pearl'. This word is used as a symbol of humanity and as a representation of the aspiration for freedom. The word 'Dana' appears alongside many other Arabic names, and it has various practical uses. In Arabic, 'Dana' expresses creativity, inspiration, human emotions, and thoughts. Additionally, in Arab cultural songs, the term 'Dana' is seen as a symbol of joy, while in fantasy stories, it is associated with dreams and aspirations of fictional characters. Qatar proposed this name in 2023.

Naming of Cyclones

Previously, cyclones did not have specific names; they were identified by the time or year they occurred. In 2002, the meteorological agencies of the Asia-Pacific region agreed on naming cyclones. In 2004, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Pakistan, Thailand, and Myanmar began proposing names through a commission, which were then approved by the World Meteorological Organization. Later, Sri Lanka joined in 2005, Myanmar in 2006, and Thailand in 2007. By 2018, Vietnam, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman also joined the naming process. Every four years, member countries meet to pre-assign names for upcoming cyclones. The names of cyclones generally reflect the history, culture, heritage, and symbols of their respective countries. This process is primarily managed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

Names Proposed by Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan
Among the names proposed by Bangladesh are 'Bipod', and 'Bulbul'. Notable names from India include 'Amphan', 'Bayu', and 'Fani'. Pakistan has proposed names like 'Asna', 'Zoh', and 'Tehrik'.

Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal

A review of the last hundred years shows that more than a hundred cyclones have occurred in the Bay of Bengal. Some of these have taken on devastating forms, claiming everything from the coastal population. Historically, during the Mughal era, a cyclone in 1700 caused widespread destruction in the coastal regions of Bengal. Information about cyclones in ancient Bengal can often be found in texts, historical manuscripts, and mythological stories.

In the history of the world, most of the deadly cyclones have struck the coast in the Bay of Bengal. Out of the 35 most fatal seasonal cyclones globally, 26 have occurred in this region, with 19 crossing the coasts of Bangladesh. The cyclone that struck Bhola in 1970 is recorded as the deadliest in history, resulting in the deaths of nearly 500,000 people. In 1991, over 100,000 people died due to a cyclone along the Chattogram coast. Additionally, Cyclone 'Sidr' in 2007 claimed approximately 3,400 lives, while a cyclone in 1931 resulted in the loss of 25,000 lives in the Barisal region. Numerous other powerful cyclones have also made landfall in the coatsal region, causing extensive economic damage and loss of life.