While Cyclone Montha gains strength over the Bay of Bengal and heads towards the coast of Andhra Pradesh, its name, "fragrant flower," is ironic in light of the potential for destruction that lies ahead. The fact that the storm is given this name puts a spotlight on an important system of communication and cooperation put in place for disaster management in the region.

The Origin: A Gentle Name From Thailand

The name "Montha" was provided by Thailand, a member country of the 13 nations of the World Meteorological Organization/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones (PTC).

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Meaning : In Thai, Montha means "a fragrant flower" or "beautiful flower."

The Paradox : Contrary to its gentle origin, the storm is a force to be reckoned with, as meteorologists predic

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