The cyclone heading towards Andhra Pradesh has been named Murasu, a term that resonates with cultural significance rather than merely serving as a weather alert. The name derives from Tamil, where it refers to a large drum traditionally used in various contexts, including warfare and celebrations. This drum has historically played a role in alerting communities to impending danger, thus making the name particularly fitting for a storm.

Murasu is not an arbitrary choice for naming a cyclone; it is part of a pre-approved list established by countries in the North Indian Ocean region. Each nation contributes names to this list, which is then used in a systematic manner for naming cyclones. The name Murasu was selected as the next in line following Cyclone Arnab, which had recently made landfall in Andhra Pradesh on October 28.

The cultural implications of the name Murasu, particularly its association with alerting people, add an intriguing layer to the cyclone’s identity. However, it is important to note that the name does not indicate the cyclone’s intensity or the level of threat it poses to the region.

Sequence of Cyclone Naming

The naming of cyclones is governed by a predetermined sequence that does not depend on the country towards which the storm is headed. The North Indian Ocean naming list comprises 169 names, with each of the 13 participating countries contributing 13 names. These names are arranged alphabetically, and the naming follows a specific order.

In this sequence, Cyclone Arnab, named by Bangladesh, was succeeded by Murasu from India, followed by Iran’s Akvan. This systematic approach explains why an Indian name was assigned to a cyclone approaching Andhra Pradesh; it was simply the next name in the established list.

The same naming procedure applies to cyclones forming over both the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, ensuring consistency across the region. The IMD is responsible for assigning names according to this approved sequence, regardless of the storm’s expected landfall location.

Process of Cyclone Naming

The process of naming cyclones involves several stages. Initially, countries propose names through their respective meteorological services. These suggestions are then evaluated and approved by a regional committee under the framework of the World Meteorological Organization. The IMD, based in New Delhi, is the designated centre for assigning cyclone names in the North Indian Ocean region.

Names must adhere to specific criteria to be considered for approval. They should be short, easy to pronounce, and limited to a maximum of eight letters. Additionally, names must not be offensive or politically charged. Public suggestions can also be taken into account, as was the case when India contributed names to the 2020 list.

A proposed name undergoes scrutiny and must receive approval before it can be added to the official list. The regional panel retains the authority to reject or review names based on reasonable objections raised by the public.

Criteria for Naming Cyclones

A cyclone does not receive its name immediately upon formation. In the North Indian Ocean, the IMD assigns a name only when the system’s maximum sustained surface wind speed reaches at least 34 knots, equivalent to approximately 62 kmph. This threshold signifies the system’s classification as a cyclonic storm.

Weather agencies can monitor a depression before it attains this intensity. Once a storm qualifies and is assigned a name, it retains that name even if its intensity subsequently increases. Therefore, even if Cyclone Murasu strengthens, it will continue to be referred to by that name.

The naming list also hints at what could follow Murasu. After Murasu, the next name in line is Iran’s Akvan. However, this does not imply that another cyclone will form immediately. The sequence merely dictates which name will be used for the next qualifying storm, maintaining the order established by the regional committee.

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