How Cyclone ‘Yaas’ was named

As Bangladesh, along with West Bengal and Odisha, braces for Cyclone Yaas, let's look at how the cyclone got its name. 

Cyclone names are given by countries in the region on a rotation basis. 

The name "Yaas" has been given by Oman, in accordance with a standard procedure. 

The word "Yaas" is believed to have originated from the Farsi language and it means "Jasmine" in English.

The practice of naming tropical cyclones started years ago. The countries in the northern Indian Ocean region started it in 2000. The names are listed alphabetically country-wise, and are neutral gender-wise, according to an article in public.wmo.int. 

In the Atlantic and in the Southern hemisphere (Indian Ocean and South Pacific), tropical cyclones receive names in alphabetical order, and women's and men's names are alternated. 

It was done for quick identification of the cyclones in weather warning messages. It is also said to be easier for the media to use it in reports. Such names also increase community interest and help better preparedness, said the article.