Cyclonic storm ‘Mocha’ likely to form in Bay of Bengal by 9th May, IMD issues alert to Odisha and WB

New Delhi, May 05 (UNI) India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday warned the possible formation of “cyclonic storm” in the Bay of Bengal by May 9, which will bring “heavy to very heavy” rainfall to Andaman & Nicobar Islands and other parts of region.

According to IMD, a cyclonic circulation has formed over southeast Bay of Bengal on the 6th May.

Under its influence a low pressure area is likely to form over the same region by 8th May morning. It is likely to concentrate into a depression over Southeast Bay of Bengal around 9th May.

The weather agency said thereafter, it is likely to intensify into a “cyclonic storm”, while moving nearly northwards towards central Bay of Bengal.

If the system developed into a cyclonic storm, it would be known as cyclone Mocha, a name recommended by Yemen, and originates from the Yemeni city Mocha (or Mokha) located on the Red Sea coast.

It, however, added that the details of its path and intensification will be provided after the formation of the low pressure area.

In view of this, IMD predicted, Squally weather with wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is likely to prevail over southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Andaman Sea from 7th onwards.

It also predicted a “heavy to very heavy” rainfall during 8th-11th over cyclonic Islands. Over sea conditions, the agency said it is likely to be rough from 7th and very rough from 9th onwards over southeast Bay of Bengal.

It is likely to be very rough to high over southeast and adjoining central Bay of Bengal from 10th onwards

“Sea condition is likely to be rough to very rough over Andaman Sea during 8th & 9th and very rough to high over North Andaman Sea from 10th onwards” it said.

The Fishermen, small ships, boats and trawlers have been advised not to venture into southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas of Andaman Sea from 7th May onwards, and into southeast & adjoining central Bay of Bengal from 9th onwards.

In view of this the weather department has also issued a warning in 18 districts of Odisha regarding a cyclonic storm.

The weather officials also warned the fishermen in West Bengal against venturing into the Southeast and Bay of Bengal from May 7 onwards.

Those who are in the sea areas shall return to the surface by May 7, the officials added. Over the heatwave,the IMD said there will be no heatwave conditions over any part of the country during the next 5 days.