Cyclone Mocha Update: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that cyclonic storm Mocha will intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by the midnight of Thursday (May 11).
IMD tweeted, “Cyclone storm MOCHA over the Bay of Bengal about 510 km west-southwest of Port Blair, 1190 km south-southwest of Cox’s Bazar (Bangladesh). Will intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm by midnight tonight.” “
Earlier, this morning the IMD 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.
In this regard, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has also 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 has geared up for response to the cyclonic storm as indicated by the IMD and the update was shared with the fisheries and civil administration, the statement said.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said people need not fear the cyclone as the state government is prepared to handle the situation. CM Banerjee had said, “There is no need to fear the cyclone. If different circumstances arise, we will rescue people from the coastal areas, as the cyclone will move towards Bangladesh and Myanmar.”
(with inputs from agencies)
Read also: Cyclone Mocha: Deep pressure area over Bay of Bengal likely to intensify on May 13
Read also: Cyclone Mocha: IMD says pressure over southeast Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a storm