Cyclone Mocha: Deep Depression over southeast BOB intensifies into storm

New-Delhi: The Indian Meterological department (IMD) predicted that the deep depression over southeast Bay of Bengal moved north-northwestwards with a speed of 8 kmph during past 06 hours and intensified into a cyclonic storm “Mocha” pronounced as “Mokha”.

It lays centered at 5.30 hours IST of May 11 2023 over the same region 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) and 1120 km south-southwest of Sittwe (Myanmar).

It is very likely to move north-northwestwards and gradually intensify into a severe cyclonic storm around mid-night of  May 11. Thereafter, it is likely to recurve gradually, move north-northeastwards from May 12 morning and intensify further into a very severe cyclonic storm around May 12evening over central Bay of Bengal.

It would reach its peak intensity around May 13 evening. Thereafter, it is likely to weaken slightly from May 14 morning and cross southeast Bangladesh and north Myanmar coasts between Cox’s Bazar (Bangladesh) and Kyaukpyu (Myanmar) around forenoon of May 14 with maximum sustained wind speed of 120-130 kmph gusting to 145 kmph.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said that cyclone Mocha over the Bay of Bengal will not have any impact on Odisha coast. However, the conditions will be very rough in the deep sea.

As per the forecast made till now, there will be no impact of the cyclone on Odisha and Andhra Pradesh coast. The Met department has not issued any kind of warning for Odisha regarding wind speed or rainfall, said IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.

Mohapatra said the cyclone will move towards Bangladesh-Myanmar coasts, so there will be no impact on Odisha. However, a warning has been issued to suspend all types of small boat and fishing operation in southeast and central Bay of Bengal Bay and Andaman Sea till May 14.

Also Read: Cyclone Mocha Will Have No Impact On Odisha Coast: IMD