Cyclone Murasu

Context: A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘Murasu’, tracking northwestwards with sustained winds of 100–110 kmph.

About Cyclone Murasu:

What it is?

• A Severe Cyclonic Storm (SCS) that developed in the Westcentral and adjoining Southwest Bay of Bengal during the active Northeast Monsoon season.
• Under IMD classification, a severe cyclonic storm sustains surface wind speeds between 48 to 63 knots (89 to 117 kmph), accompanied by gale-force winds, intense storm surges, and torrential precipitation.

Naming Convention:

• Contributing Country: Suggested by India under the comprehensive tropical cyclone naming registry adopted in 2020 by the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones (PTC).
• Etymology & Meaning: Derived from Tamil, meaning a traditional war drum or percussion instrument.
• Sequential Queue: Assigned sequentially following Cyclone Arnab (contributed by Bangladesh), to be followed in the panel’s rotational roster by Akvan (contributed by Iran).

IMD Cyclone Alert & Warning Colour Codes:

The India Meteorological Department operates a standardized four-stage weather warning system utilizing color-coded advisories to communicate operational urgency to disaster management authorities:

1. Pre-Cyclone Watch (Green / Yellow Message): Issued at least 72 hours in advance when a low-pressure area or depression forms, signalling early monitoring of coastal sectors likely to experience adverse weather.
2. Cyclone Alert (Yellow Message): Issued at least 48 hours prior to the anticipated commencement of adverse weather, advising authorities and the public to “Be Updated / Be Aware” as the storm track firms up.
3. Cyclone Warning (Orange Message): Dispatched at least 24 hours in advance, signalling “Be Prepared / Stay Alert.” Detailed landfall projections, expected wind damage, and localized storm surge heights are specified to initiate evacuation logistics.
4. Post-Landfall Outlook / Landfall Alert (Red Message): Issued at least 12 hours before landfall, denoting “Take Action / Danger.” It mandates emergency sheltering, suspension of port/marine traffic, suspension of rail/road transit, and active deployment of disaster response forces.

Significance:

• Arriving shortly after Cyclone Arnab, the cyclone intensifies flood risks, agricultural losses and drainage problems across already saturated coastal Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
• Tests SDRF/NDRF response, Mana Mitra digital helplines and interstate power restoration coordination, highlighting the resilience of emergency systems.