Cyclone Mocha: Depression Over Bay Of Bengal Intensifies Into Cyclonic Storm

The India Meteorological Department on Thursday predicted that the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm Mocha overnight and it is likely to make landfall between Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh and Sittwe in Myanmar. It is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by midnight today.

The cyclone, named Mocha by Yemen pronounced as 'Mokha', is likely to bring heavy rainfall to the Andaman island chain, the IMD said.

"Deep depression intensified into a cyclonic storm Mocha and lay centered about 510 km west-southwest of Port Blair, 1210 km south-southwest of Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh at 05.30 hours on 11th May. To intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Thursday night," it added.

"It would reach its peak intensity on the evening of May 13. It is likely to weaken slightly from the morning of May 14, and cross southeast Bangladesh and north Myanmar coasts between Cox's Bazar and Kyaukpyu with a maximum sustained wind speed of 120-130 kmph, gusting to 145 kmph," the IMD said.

"There is an alert of a heat wave alert in the state till May 12. Cyclone Mocha is not likely to have much impact in Bengal. The landfall of the cyclone will be between Bangladesh and Myanmar. Fishermen and people have been warned not to venture near the sea," Sanjib Banerjee, Deputy Director General IMD, Kolkata was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

However, the cyclonic storm will not have any impact on Odisha and Andhra Pradesh coasts.

Wind speeds in excess of 110 kmph, accompanied by heavy rains, are likely prior to or during this period, Indian Embassy in Myanmar said in a public advisory.

"All Indian nationals in Myanmar are advised to keep a watch on the weather forecast news and be prepared for any eventuality," the advisory stated.