NEW DELHI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that the depression observed as “Mocha” is expected to intensify into a “very severe cyclonic storm” by midnight on May 11 over the southeast and adjoining central Bay of Bengal.
According to the IMD bulletin, the system is likely to move in a north-northwestward direction, gradually strengthening into a cyclonic storm over the same region by the evening of May 10.
The cyclonic storm will be named, ‘Cyclone Mocha’.
It will continue its north-northwestward movement and further intensify into a “severe cyclonic storm” by the morning of May 11, eventually reaching a “very severe cyclonic storm” status by midnight on the same day.
Subsequently, it is anticipated to recurve gradually, moving in a north-northeastward direction, and make landfall between Cox’s Bazar (Bangladesh) and Kyaukpyu (Myanmar) around the forenoon of May 14 with a sustained wind speed of 110-120 kmph, gusting to 130 kmph.
During this period, the sea conditions are expected to be very rough to high over the southeast and adjoining central Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea from May 10 to May 12.
IMD director general Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said, “As of now there is no impact of the cyclone over Odisha, Andhra Pradesh coast. IMD has not issued any kind of warning for Odisha regarding wind or rainfall.”
Advisories have been issued for fishermen, small ships, boats, and trawlers, advising them not to venture into the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas of the Andaman Sea starting from May 7. Similarly, they were also advised to avoid the southeast and adjoining central Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea from May 9 onwards.
Furthermore, there has been a complete regulation of tourism, offshore activities, and shipping near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from May 8 till May 12. Shipping activity will also be regulated over the sea.