The name of severe cyclonic storm ‘Vardah’, which at present lays over the Bay of Bengal, has been given by Pakistan.
‘Vardah’, which means ‘red rose’, is expected to hit northern Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh by tomorrow.
By the time it makes landfall, its intensity is expected to reduce considerably.
Name of cyclones in the Indian Ocean Region are decided by member countries — India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, Myanmar, Maldives and Oman. The last cyclone that hit Chennai was ‘Nada’, a name suggested by Oman.
Some of the names suggested by India in the past have included Agni, Akash, Bijli, Jal and Lehar.
Names suggested by Pakistan in the past have also been Fanoos, Nargis, Laila, Nilam and Nilofar.
Sr Lanka has come up up with names such as Mala, Rashmi, Bandu and Priya.
(With additional inputs from PTI)