Cyclone Mocha: IMD predicts cyclonic circulation over Bay of Bengal

The US weather forecast model Global Forecast System (GFS) and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), predicted that a cyclone is expected to develop over the Bay of Bengal in the second week of May. If this cyclone is formed, it will be named as 'Mocha'. According to reports, Cyclone 'Mocha' likely to be formed in Bay around May 16.

Who Named Cyclone Mocha?

Yemen is responsible for naming the upcoming cyclone 'Mocha'. Mocha is a port city situated on the Red Sea coast of Yemen, which can also be spelled as Mokha or Mukha.

The cyclone Mocha is expected to hit the Bangladesh coast between May 13 and 16 at a speed of 170km.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had also earlier warned that a cyclonic circulation might form in the southeastern Bay of Bengal by May 6, with a low-pressure area likely to develop over the region within 48 hours. However, it is uncertain whether the low-pressure area will turn into a cyclone or not, and the impact it will have cannot be accurately predicted for now.

On Tuesday, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik conducted a high-level meeting to assess the state's readiness for a potential cyclone, urging officials to prepare for any potential risks.

The Chief Minister instructed officials to formulate contingency plans, evacuate residents in low-lying areas to cyclone shelters if required, and organize relief and rehabilitation work following the cyclone's landfall, recalling the difficulties faced during the 2019 Fani cyclone.

An official of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar said the IMD has not yet predicted any cyclone.

The likely cyclonic circulation on May 6 will lead to a low-pressure area in the next 48 hours. The low-pressure area has to further develop into a depression and then deep depression, before it can become a cyclone, he said.

PK Jena, the Chief Secretary, and Satyabrata Sahu, the Special Relief Commissioner, have been directed to work in coordination with departments and districts to review the situation regularly and ensure zero casualties in the event of a cyclone.

The state has alerted all collectors, prepared cyclone shelters, and readied control rooms and disaster response teams to respond promptly to any situation.