India names cyclonic storm Murasu expected to hit Andhra Pradesh coast
The storm is projected to make landfall on the morning of November 3 with wind speeds reaching 100 kmph.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Sunday that a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into Cyclonic Storm Murasu. According to a report by Hindustan Times, the storm is expected to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast in the early hours of November 3.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra stated that wind speeds are expected to reach 80-90 kmph, with gusts up to 100 kmph. Mohapatra said there is a slight possibility the system could intensify into a severe cyclonic storm, though the current forecast remains for a cyclonic storm.
The name Murasu was proposed by India as part of a regional naming system. The Tamil word refers to an ancient musical instrument and a traditional percussion drum used historically to communicate public information and announcements.
The Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre in New Delhi is responsible for naming tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. This process is coordinated by the World Meteorological Organisation through a panel of 13 member countries.
The naming system helps meteorologists and emergency agencies track storms and raise public awareness. India has previously contributed names such as Gati, Tej, and Vyom to the system.