Cyclone Murasu could affect the Andhra Pradesh coast on November 2, bringing heavy to very heavy rainfall and winds reaching 80-90 kmph, with gusts of up to 100 kmph, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts reported by the Times of India. Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and adjoining coastal areas have been placed on heightened alert as the weather system develops over the Bay of Bengal.
The system is expected to produce moderate to heavy rain across several parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and some areas of Rayalaseema over the next two to three days. The IMD has also forecast heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, while Kerala and Mahe are likely to receive heavy rain. Rough sea conditions have been forecast along the Andhra Pradesh coast.
If the system intensifies into a cyclone, it will be named Murasu. The name was contributed by India to the list used for tropical cyclones over the North Indian Ocean. Murasu means “drum” in Tamil and refers to an ancient percussion instrument historically used to disseminate information and warn people about natural disasters.
Cyclone names in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea are assigned through the World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Panel on Tropical Cyclones. The regional naming system began in 2004 and was expanded as more countries joined the panel. The names are intended to make individual storms easier to identify, remember and communicate through public warnings.
The naming system uses short names that are designed to remain neutral in relation to political, cultural and religious beliefs. Names are not repeated. In India, names are suggested through regional meteorological centres, with names submitted by members of the public included in the wider list.
The possible formation of Murasu comes only days after severe cyclonic storm Arnab affected Andhra Pradesh. According to the Times of India report, Arnab struck the state’s coast on October 28 and caused extensive damage across six coastal districts. Arnab was a name contributed by Bangladesh and means “ocean” in Bengali.
The latest forecast places coastal infrastructure, fishing activity, transport links and exposed settlements under heightened weather risk, particularly if the predicted wind speeds materialise. The immediate hazards identified in the report are heavy rainfall, strong winds and rough seas, with impacts possible across more than one state.
The IMD is expected to continue monitoring the system’s development and issue updated forecasts and warnings. Coastal residents and local authorities in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and adjoining regions will need to follow official advisories as the system approaches its projected November 2 landfall window.
