Cyclone Mocha intensifies into “very severe” cyclonic storm

New Delhi: The Severe Cyclonic Storm Mocha has intensified into a “Very Severe” Cyclonic Storm with a sustained windspeed of 140-150 km/h.

As per the India Meteorological Department Cyclone Mocha lay centered over Central adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal about 520 km west-northwest of Port Blair at 0530 this morning.

The cyclone’s name ‘Mocha’ is suggested by Yemen and was named after the Red Sea port city which is known to have introduced coffee to the world.

IMD said it is very likely to move north-northeastwards and intensify into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm during the next four hours over the Central Bay of Bengal. “Thereafter, it is likely to continue to move north-northeastwards with further intensification”.

It is likely to cross southeast Bangladesh and north Myanmar coasts between Cox’s Bazar (Bangladesh) and Kyaukpyu (Myanmar), close to Sittwe (Myanmar) around noon of Sunday as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 150 to 160 kilometers per hour gusting to 175 kilometers per hour.

Due to the weather conditions, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Tripura, Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, and South Assam to receive heavy rainfall from today till Sunday.

Squally wind speed reaching 50-60 kilometers per hour and gusting to 70 kilometers per hour is likely to prevail in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Tripura, Mizoram and Manipur.

IMD said, Sea Conditions will be very rough from today till Sunday. Fishermen, ships, boats and trawlers have been advised not to venture into the southeast Bay of Bengal. Those over the central Bay of Bengal and north Andaman Sea are advised to return to coast.

The National Disaster Relief Force has deployed eight teams while 200 rescuers have been put on the ground and 100 rescuers are on standby.