Cyclone Mocha: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in its latest bulletin on Thursday said that the deep pressure over the southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into cyclonic storm Mocha.
“The deep depression over southeast Bay of Bengal moved north-northwestwards with a speed of 8 kmph during last 6 hours, intensified into a cyclonic storm “Mocha”, called “Mokha” and centered at 0530 hours IST on 11 May 2023. Same area near Latitude 11.2°N and Longitude 88.1°E, about 510 km west-southwest of Port Blair, 1210 km south-southwest of Cox’s Bazar (Bangladesh) west and 1120 km south-southwest of Sittwe (Myanmar),” said an official statement.
Mocha to turn into severe cyclonic storm: IMD
IMD further said that Mocha will turn into a severe cyclonic storm and it will reach its peak intensity on May 13.
“It is very likely to move north-northwestwards and gradually intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm around midnight. Thereafter, it is very likely to move slowly again, from May 12 morning north- It will move northeastwards and further intensify into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm. Over central Bay of Bengal the same evening. It will reach its peak intensity around May 13 evening.
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“Thereafter, it is very likely to weaken slightly from morning of 14th May and cross southeast Bangladesh and north Myanmar coasts between Cox’s Bazar (Bangladesh) and Kyawkpyu (Myanmar) around forenoon of 14th May, 2023 is, with maximum sustained wind speed of 120 -130 kmph gusting to 145 kmph.” Earlier, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) issued an official statement saying that its units have been put on high alert amid warnings from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) regarding cyclonic storm Mocha.
The ICG is prepared to respond to the cyclonic storm as reported by the IMD and the update was shared with the fisheries and civil administration, the statement said.
About Cyclone Mocha
The cyclone has been named Mocha (Mokha), a name suggested by Yemen after the Red Sea port city known for having introduced coffee to the world 500 years ago. The weather office has suggested regulation of tourism and offshore activities and shipping in and around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and in the sea areas of southeast and central Bay of Bengal till Friday (May 12).
(With ANI inputs)