Cyclone Mocha intensifies into severe cyclonic storm; here's all you need to know
By Team Newsable | First Published May 12, 2023, 9:00 AM ISTAccording to IMD, the cyclonic storm is likely to cross southeast Bangladesh and north Myanmar coasts between Cox Bazar in Bangladesh and Kyaukpyu in Myanmar, close to Sittwe around noon of May 14 as a very severe cyclonic storm with maximum sustained wind speed of 150-160 kmph gusting to 175 kmph.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday (May 12) issued an alert and said that Cyclone Mocha has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over Central Bay of Bengal. It is reportedly said that the cyclone is likely to continue to move north-northeastwards with further intensification.
According to IMD, the cyclonic storm is likely to cross southeast Bangladesh and north Myanmar coasts between Cox Bazar in Bangladesh and Kyaukpyu in Myanmar, close to Sittwe around noon of May 14 as a very severe cyclonic storm with maximum sustained wind speed of 150-160 kmph gusting to 175 kmph.
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The SCS “Mocha" intensified into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm, lay centered at 0530 hours IST of 12th May 2023 over Central adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal near lat 13.2N & long 88.1E, about 520 km west-northwest of Port Blair.
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept)In view of the cyclonic storm, as many as eight National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in West Bengal. NDRF 2nd Battalion Commandant, Gurminder Singh, said, "Cyclone Mocha will convert into a severe storm on May 12 and a very severe cyclone on May 14, as per the predictions. We've deployed 8 teams. 200 rescuers of NDRF deployed on ground and 100 rescuers on standby."
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On Thursday, the weather agency issued rainfall alerts for several northeastern states and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These areas are likely to receive heavy rainfall due to the movement of the cyclone over central Bay of Bengal.
As per IMD, the cyclone which got its name from a small town in Yemen - Mocha - is expected to have maximum sustained wind speed of 150-160 kmph gusting to 175 kmph.
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