Cyclone Murasu: Days after Cyclone Arnab wreaked havoc in Andhra Pradesh, another cyclonic storm named 'Murasu' is going to hit the state, with its expected landfall tonight. The severe storm may bring heavy to very heavy rainfall with strong and gusty winds. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the deep depression over the southwest and west-central Bay of Bengal had intensified into 'Cyclone Murasu' on November 1.
Having said that, the question remains: what does the term 'Murasu' mean, and who proposed this name? For the uninitiated, the term 'Arnab' in Bengali means ocean, and the term was proposed by Bangladesh.
What Does Cyclone 'Murasu' Mean And Who Proposed It?
Murasu is a Tamil word meaning 'drum', and the term was proposed by India to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). The WMO/United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Panel assigns the names of Tropical Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, which together cover the North Indian Ocean. The pre-assigned list of names is maintained by IMD and WMO under a regional arrangement.
Origin Of The Name 'Murasu'
The name Murasu comes from an old percussion instrument that was once used to send important messages, warn people, and signal approaching natural disasters. Weather experts say the system of naming cyclones began in September 2004. Giving each storm a name makes it easier to identify them, keep track of different systems and share weather alerts more clearly with the public.
Cyclone Murasu Nears Andhra Coast
According to PTI, the severe cyclonic storm neared the Andhra coast, causing heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu and a flood situation in several parts of Chennai. Several flights were cancelled today. The IMD has issued an orange alert for Chennai. Schools in the city have also been closed.
Madhavaram Recorded 11 cm Of Rain In 24 Hrs
While Chennai, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur have witnessed significant rainfall since Sunday night, Madhavaram recorded 11 cm of rain in the last 24 hours. According to an official, cited by PTI, Ennore Port and Nungambakkam recorded 10 cm respectively.
In Odisha too, very heavy rainfall have lashed several areas ahead of Cyclone Murasu's landfall.
Cyclone Murasu To Make Landfall Tonight
According to IMD, Cyclone Murasu is expected to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between 11:30 PM on November 2 and the early hours of November 3 around 4 AM, moving between Nellore and Narsapur close to Ongole.
The system has already moved west-northwards at a speed of 25 kmph and is currently centred over 210 km east-southeast of Nellore.