Land & Environment 01 November 2026
Cyclone 'Murasu' Approaches Bay of Bengal
Why in the News?
Following Cyclone Arnab, a new weather system in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into **Cyclone 'Murasu'**. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings as the cyclonic storm moves towards the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh, triggering heavy rainfall and high-speed winds.
Key Features / Major Points:
- Origin and Meaning of the Name 'Murasu':
- The name 'Murasu' has been proposed by **India**. It originates from the Tamil language, meaning **'Drum'** or an ancient percussion instrument historically used by monarchs to broadcast royal proclamations and disaster warnings to the public.
- Wind Speeds and Intensity:
- Gale winds reaching 80 to 90 kmph, gusting up to 100 to 110 kmph, are expected along the coastal belts. While slightly less destructive in wind speed compared to the preceding Cyclone Arnab (which clocked ~130 kmph), Murasu poses a severe flooding threat.
- Torrential Rains & Flooding Risk:
- The primary danger stems from heavy downpours, with 200 to 300 mm of rainfall predicted across parts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Telangana, leading to severe waterlogging and riverine floods.
- Affected Regions & Red Alerts:
- Red alerts have been issued for districts in coastal Andhra Pradesh, including Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, Prakasam, and Nellore. Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, and parts of eastern/northern India are also expected to experience weather shifts.
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Static GK Facts:
- India Meteorological Department (IMD):
- Established: **1875** | Headquarters: **New Delhi**.
- Cyclone Naming Convention:
- Cyclones in the North Indian Ocean basin are named sequentially from a pre-approved list managed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) / ESCAP panel countries, including India.
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: Cyclone 'Murasu', which recently formed in the Bay of Bengal, is derived from which classical language?
A: Tamil (meaning 'Drum')
Q: Which country proposed the name 'Murasu' for the Bay of Bengal cyclone?
A: India
Q: Which Indian state is primarily bracing for the landfall of Cyclone Murasu?
A: Andhra Pradesh
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