The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning stating that the tropical cyclone Mocha is expected to intensify into a very severe storm and may recurve towards the Bangladesh-Myanmar coast. The IMD Director General, Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, made the announcement on Sunday.
According to the IMD, Mocha is currently located over the east-central Bay of Bengal, about 820 km south-southeast of Kolkata, and is moving northwards. The cyclone is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm in the next 24 hours and then further intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm by May 12.
Dr. Mohapatra stated that the cyclone’s track is likely to recurve towards the Bangladesh-Myanmar coast around May 15. He further added that the IMD is closely monitoring the situation and will issue more detailed forecasts as the cyclone approaches the coast.
The IMD has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea along the Odisha-West Bengal coasts from May 10 to May 15, and those who are already out at sea have been advised to return to the coast.
The Indian Navy has also been put on alert, with two warships and five aircrafts deployed in the Bay of Bengal for rescue and relief operations in case of any emergency.
This is the second tropical cyclone to hit the Indian subcontinent this year after Cyclone Tauktae, which made landfall in Gujarat on May 17, resulting in the loss of several lives and causing significant damage to property.
In conclusion, the IMD’s warning about the potential intensification of Cyclone Mocha into a very severe cyclonic storm and its possible recurvature towards the Bangladesh-Myanmar coast has put authorities on high alert. The precautionary measures taken by the IMD, including the advisory to fishermen and deployment of rescue and relief teams, are commendable and may help in preventing any loss of life and property.
