Cyclonic Storm Mocha Expected to Hit Bangladesh and Myanmar Coasts on May 14, 2023

The depression over southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression, according to the latest weather report issued on May 10, 2023. The depression has moved west-northwestwards with a speed of 05 kmph during the past six hours and is centered near latitude 8.5°N and longitude 89.0°E, about 540 km west-southwest of Port Blair, 1460 km south-southwest of Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh and 1350 km south-southwest of Sittwe in Myanmar.

It is expected to move northwestwards for some time and then north-northwestwards, gradually intensifying into a cyclonic storm over the same region by this evening. The system is likely to continue moving north-northwestwards and will gradually intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by May 11 morning and a very severe cyclonic storm by May 12 morning over southeast and adjoining central Bay of Bengal.

The cyclonic storm is expected to recurve gradually, move north-northeastwards, and weaken slightly from May 13. It is likely to cross the southeast Bangladesh and north Myanmar coasts between Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh and Kyaukpyu in Myanmar around the forenoon of May 14, 2023, with a maximum sustained wind speed of 110-120 kmph, gusting to 130 kmph.

The authorities have advised fishermen not to venture into the sea over the Bay of Bengal and those who are out in the sea are advised to return to the coast immediately. The authorities have also warned of possible flooding in the low-lying areas and advised people to stay indoors and not venture out unless necessary.