Cyclone Mocha Intensifies in the Bay of Bengal, Impacts Expected in Southeast Asia

A deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm named “Mocha,” pronounced as “Mokha,” according to the India Meteorological Department. As of 0530 hours IST on May 11th, Mocha was located near latitude 11.2°N and longitude 88.1°E, approximately 510 km west-southwest of Port Blair, 1210 km south-southwest of Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh, and 1120 km south-southwest of Sittwe in Myanmar.

Mocha has been moving in a north-northwest direction with a speed of 8 kmph over the past six hours. Forecasters predict that it will continue on this trajectory and gradually intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by the midnight of May 11th. By the evening of May 12th, it is expected to become a very severe cyclonic storm as it moves across the central Bay of Bengal. From the morning of May 12th, Mocha is likely to recurve gradually and head in a north-northeast direction. It may weaken slightly from the evening of May 13th before making landfall between Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh and Kyaukpyu in Myanmar around the forenoon of May 14th.

At the time of landfall, Mocha is estimated to have a maximum sustained wind speed of 120-130 kmph, gusting up to 145 kmph. The India Meteorological Department has issued several warnings and advisories for different regions:

• Rainfall: Heavy rainfall is expected in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands until May 12th. Tripura and Mizoram may experience rainfall at most places on May 13th, with heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated locations on May 14th. Nagaland, Manipur, and south Assam could also receive rainfall at many places on May 14th.
• Wind: Strong winds with speeds ranging from 55-65 kmph, gusting up to 75 kmph, are likely to persist in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands until May 11th. Tripura, Mizoram, and south Manipur may experience squally winds reaching 50-60 kmph, gusting up to 70 kmph, on May 14th.
• Sea condition: The Andaman Sea and the southeast Bay of Bengal will witness very rough to high seas until May 11th, while the eastcentral Bay of Bengal will experience high to very high sea conditions until May 14th.
• Fishermen Warning: Fishermen, ships, boats, and trawlers are advised to avoid venturing into specific sea areas until the mentioned dates in the advisories. This includes the southeast Bay of Bengal and south Andaman Sea until May 11th, the central Bay of Bengal and north Andaman Sea until the morning of May 14th, and the northeast Bay of Bengal from May 12th to May 14th.

Local authorities have implemented regulations for tourism, offshore activities, and shipping in various sea areas until the specific dates mentioned in the advisories. Precautions are being taken to mitigate potential damage caused by Cyclone Mocha. Mizoram, Tripura, and South Manipur are expected to experience minor damage to unsecured structures, possible breaches in kutcha roads due to heavy rain and landslides, damage to small trees, and harm to standing crops.

It is crucial for residents in the affected regions to stay updated with the latest information from local authorities, heed official warnings, and take necessary safety measures to protect themselves and their property.