Cyclone Mocha is set to intensify into a severe storm over the central Bay of Bengal, according to a bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday. The cyclonic storm, pronounced as ‘Mokha,’ is the first of its kind in the Bay of Bengal this year and is expected to make landfall along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border on Sunday. The IMD’s warning has prompted the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) to declare a high alert, while the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed teams in West Bengal’s Digha to ensure preparedness and minimize the impact of the cyclone.
As per the IMD, cyclone Mocha is currently situated about 510 kilometers west-southwest of Port Blair and 1,190 kilometers south-southwest of Coxs Bazar in Bangladesh. The bulletin states that the storm will likely intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by midnight. The IMD has also predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands over the next three days, particularly in isolated areas.
In addition to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the states of Tripura and Mizoram are expected to experience heavy rain showers at isolated places on Saturday and Sunday. Meanwhile, Nagaland, Manipur, and south Assam are likely to face intense rainfall in isolated pockets on Sunday. These regions should take necessary precautions to mitigate the potential impact of the cyclone.
With the IMD’s warning, the Indian Coast Guard has placed its units on high alert, ready to respond to any emergencies that may arise due to the cyclonic storm. The ICG will coordinate with other agencies to ensure the safety of coastal areas and shipping vessels. The NDRF teams deployed in West Bengal’s Digha will work towards minimizing the impact of the cyclone and providing necessary relief and assistance to affected areas.
Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal are a common occurrence, often causing significant damage to coastal regions. Therefore, it is crucial for authorities and communities to be well-prepared and take appropriate measures to protect lives and property. The IMD’s timely warning and the proactive response from the Indian Coast Guard and the NDRF demonstrate the importance of disaster preparedness and coordinated efforts in such situations.
As cyclone Mocha continues to develop and approach the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, it is essential for the affected regions to closely monitor the situation and follow the instructions and advisories issued by the respective authorities. The safety of the population and prompt response to any emergencies should be the top priority as the cyclonic storm approaches landfall.