The depression formed over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm on Friday. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the storm is unlikely to affect Odhisha and Andhra Pradesh coast. However, heavy rains are expected in north-east regions including Tripura, Nagaland and Mizoram.
"Deep Depression, intensified into a cyclonic storm Mocha and lay centered about 510 km west-southwest of Port Blair, 1210 km south-southwest of Cox's Bazar (Bangladesh) at 0530 hrs IST of today the 11th May. To intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by mid-night of today," said IMD.
Since the impact of the storm is not likely to affect Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, IMD has not issued any kind of warning along its coasts.
The cyclone is moving towards Bangladesh-Myanmar coasts. The Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar is under the risk of landslide with the heavy rains lashing through the region.
The state minister for disaster managment and relief Enamur Rahman said that necessary measures are taken to avert any mishap due to heavy rain and high speed wind. Rehabilitation likely required for those seeking refugee in the camps.
Also, the IMD has predicted that the cyclone is likely to weaken from Saturday.
Though cyclone is not likely to have an impact in West Bengal, due to the rough sea fishermen and people have been warned not to venture near the sea.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands on alert
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is predicted by the Met department in Andaman and Nicobar Islands till May 11. Alert has been issued by the administration.
"The Indian Meteorological Department has forecast that Cyclone Mocha is likely to make landfall off Myanmar Coast about 1200 Hr (local time) on 14 May 2023. Wind speeds in excess of 110 kmph accompanied by heavy rains are likely to be encountered prior/during this period," read the embassy statement.
Meanwhile, the north-eastern parts of India is likely to record heavy rainfall during the weekend due to the cyclone's impact.
Tripura and Mizoram expected to record heavy rainfall on May 13 and heavy to heavy rainfall on May 14. Nagaland, Manipur and South Assam will also record heavy rainfall on Sunday.
