Cyclonic circulation 'Mocha' forming over Bay of Bengal, predicts IMD

A cyclonic circulation 'Mocha' has been forming in the southeast Bay of Bengal on Saturday. Weather scientists are predicting that this could turn into a possible severe cyclonic storm in the region next week.

Bhubaneswar: A cyclonic circulation has been forming in the southeast Bay of Bengal on Saturday. Weather scientists are predicting that this could turn into a possible severe cyclonic storm in the region next week. "A cyclonic circulation has been lying over the southeast Bay of Bengal and neighbourhood in lower and middle tropospheric levels. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the same region by May 8," Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General, of India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

The cyclone will be named Mocha (Mokha). The name was suggested by Yemen. Mocha is a coastal city situated on the shore of the Red Sea. The city is known to have introduced coffee to the world over 500 years ago. As per the IMD report, a low-pressure area is likely to develop over the same region by May 8. The latest forecast by IMD said that the low-pressure system is likely to concentrate into a depression around May 9. The low-pressure system is expected to concentrate into a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal around May 9. Thereafter, it is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm while moving nearly northwards towards the central Bay of Bengal. The details of its (cyclonic storm) path and intensification will be provided after the formation of the low-pressure area, the system is under constant watch and being monitored regularly, stated the IMD report.

While there has been no specific warning for Odisha so far, the state government has issued an advisory to district collectors and asked them to remain alert and prepared in the wake of the IMD’s forecast of the formation of a cyclonic storm. Under the influence of the system, moderate rainfall is likely to occur in most places during May 8-12. Some areas will experience isolated, heavy to very heavy rainfall during May 8-11. Besides, scattered, heavy to very heavy rainfall will occur in some places over Andaman & Nicobar Islands on May 10.

An advisory has been issued to fishermen not to venture into the sea with trawlers in the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas of the Andaman Sea from Sunday onwards. The people have been issued warnings not to undertake offshore activities in the southeast and adjoining central Bay of Bengal from May 9 onwards.