Deep depression forms over BOB, likely to intensify into ‘severe’ cyclonic storm by Friday: IMD

New Delhi, May 10 (UNI) The Indian Meteorological Department said that a cyclone forming over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a “very severe”  cyclonic storm by Friday, May 12, with maximum sustained wind speed of 130 Kmph.

The IMD said “Depression intensified into a deep depression and will intensify gradually  into a cyclonic storm around evening of today”.

“It is very likely to move  north-northwestwards for some time  and will gradually intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm by 11th May morning and “very severe” cyclonic storm by May 12 over southeast and adjoining central Bay of Bengal” it said.

The agency said, ” Thereafter, it is likely to recurve gradually, move north-northeastwards and weaken slightly from 13th may and cross southeast Bangladesh and north Myanmar on 14th May,  with maximum sustained wind speed of 110-120 kmph gusting to
130 kmph”.

If the system developed into a cyclonic storm or severe 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.

Under the impact of Cyclone Mocha, storms of wind speed of 50-60 kmph, gusting to 70 kmph is likely over southeast Bay of Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Andaman Sea for the next two days, the IMD department said.

The Met office said fishermen and operators of small ships, boats and trawlers are advised not to venture into the southeast and adjoining central Bay of Bengal from Tuesday.

The weather office also asked those who are over the east-central Bay of Bengal and north Andaman Sea to return during the day.

‘Mocha’ is likely to cause heavy rainfall in the Bay Islands till May 11 and move north-westwards till May 12. There are possibilities that the cyclone will gather more strength on May 12 before its likely landfall over the Bangladesh-Myanmar coasts around May 14, Met department said.