Cyclone Montha, which is now moving over the Bay of Bengal and moving towards Andhra Pradesh has an interesting story behind its name. The name Montha was given by Thailand as part of the list of cyclone names prepared by countries in the region. These names are decided by a group formed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations ESCAP, which includes countries like India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Oman, and others. Each country suggests names in advance, and they are used one after another whenever a new cyclone forms.
In Thai, the word Montha refers to a traditional flower known for its pleasant fragrance and seasonal bloom. It is a symbol of strength and renewal, which makes it a fitting name for a natural event like a cyclone. The purpose of giving such names is to make it easier for people and authorities to identify and discuss storms clearly, instead of using technical numbers.
