Cyclone Murasu approaches Andhra coast: From naming to intensity, decoding the science of cyclones
Indian Express - Explained · Published 2 November 2026 · Last updated
Cyclone Murasu underscores how Bay of Bengal’s geography and a strong El Niño amplify cyclone intensity, demanding robust early‑warning and coastal disaster management.
Key points
- India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a cyclone advisory on 2 Nov 2026, forecasting light‑to‑moderate rain on 2‑3 Nov and heavy to extremely heavy rain at isolated spots in Andhra Pradesh.
- IMD expects Cyclone Murasu to make landfall between Nellore and Narsapuram on Monday night or Tuesday morning, 2‑3 Nov 2026.
- The name Murasu, meaning “war drum” in Tamil, was contributed by India under the WMO‑ESCAP panel naming protocol for North Indian Ocean cyclones.
- Murasu follows Cyclone Arnab, which hit Andhra Pradesh and Odisha in late Oct 2026, attaining wind speeds of 125‑135 km/h with gusts up to 140 km/h.
- Experts link the recent rapid intensification of cyclones in the Bay of Bengal to the 2026 El Niño, projected to be among the strongest on record.
- The Bay of Bengal’s funnel‑shaped topography concentrates low‑pressure systems, making storm surges and wind damage more severe along the eastern coast.
- The Disaster Management Act, 2005 empowers the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) to coordinate evacuation and relief for cyclonic events.
- Opposition parties have demanded a review of coastal‑zone building codes after Arnab’s unexpected speed‑up, citing inadequate enforcement.
Background
- Cyclone naming for the North Indian Ocean is governed by the WMO‑ESCAP panel; India’s list includes culturally resonant names like Murasu.
- The Bay of Bengal historically records >50% of India’s cyclonic storms due to its warm sea‑surface temperatures and semi‑enclosed shape.
- The Disaster Management Act, 2005 established NDMA and SDMAs, mandating early warning, evacuation, and post‑disaster relief mechanisms.
- In 2023, the Ministry of Earth Sciences upgraded IMD’s Doppler radar network, improving forecast lead‑times for cyclones.
- The 2026 El Niño, forecast as one of the strongest since records began, raises sea‑surface temperatures by ~1‑2 °C, a known catalyst for cyclogenesis.
- Cyclone Arnab (Oct 2026) intensified faster than forecast, exposing gaps in real‑time tracking and community preparedness.
UPSC relevance, Prelims facts and Mains angle for this issue are in the full SWAदेSH note.
Original report: Indian Express - Explained