How was Cyclone Murasu named?

Why in News?

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities, control price rises and provide immediate financial assistance to families affected by Cyclone Murasu.

Origin and Meaning of the Name

• Murasu is a Tamil name proposed by the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai.
• It refers to a traditional Tamil percussion instrument, historically used to disseminate information and alert people about important events and natural disasters.
• The name also signifies a thunderous sound.
• According to the supplied information, Murasu is the first Tamil name assigned to a tropical cyclone since the beginning of cyclone naming in the north Indian Ocean in September 2004.
• It was selected from the second list of names prepared by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) panel for tropical cyclones over the north Indian Ocean.

Criteria for Naming Tropical Cyclones

Cyclone names are required to meet the following criteria:

1. Easy pronunciation: Names should be simple to pronounce and understand.
2. Length: A name should not exceed eight letters.
3. Neutrality: Names should not be offensive or carry controversial meanings.
4. Cultural suitability: Names should be appropriate and acceptable across the region.

Cyclone Naming in the North Indian Ocean

• The naming system for tropical cyclones over the north Indian Ocean began in September 2004.
• Names are contributed by countries in the region through the WMO/UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Panel on Tropical Cyclones.
• The Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC), New Delhi, operated by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), assigns names to cyclones developing over the north Indian Ocean.

Source: TH

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