Possible cyclone ‘Mocha’ may form after May 8 as IMD predicts direction of movement

Biswajeet Swain Published On : May 3, 2023 at 12:24 PM

Bhubaneswar: Cyclone ‘Mocha’ may form over Southeast Bay of Bengal after May 8 and move northwards towards central Bay of Bengal.

As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a cyclonic circulation is likely to develop over Southeast Bay of Bengal around 6th May. Under its influence, a low pressure area is likely to form over the same region around 7th May. It is likely to concentrate into a depression over Southeast Bay of Bengal on 8th May.

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Thereafter, there is a good possibility of its intensification while moving nearly northwards towards central Bay of Bengal, the agency said.

Details of its path and intensification will be provided after formation of low pressure area. The system is under watch and is being monitored regularly, it added.

The system will be named as cyclone ‘Mocha’ if it intensifies into a cyclonic storm.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik yesterday chaired a high-level meeting in view of the possible formation of cyclone ‘Mocha’ over the Bay of Bengal.

Recalling cyclone ‘Fani’ of 2019, the CM said determination of path of cyclones during summer season is difficult. He directed the concerned officials and departments to be in readiness to tackle any kind of eventuality.

He also advised for shifting of people residing in low-lying and vulnerable areas to cyclone shelters, if necessary.

The CM directed to prepare plans in advance for relief and restoration works in the aftermath of cyclone.

He also directed the Chief Secretary to review the situation regularly and asked the Special Relief Commissioner to work in coordination with all departments.

Chief Secretary Pradip Kumar Jena said all efforts will be made to ensure zero casualty during the calamity. All Collectors have been alerted in this regard. Around 1000 cyclone shelters are in readiness while more safe places including school buildings have been identified, the official said.

On the other hand, Special Relief Commissioner Satyabrata Sahu said control rooms have been prepared after holding discussion with Collectors of 18 districts. As many as 17 NDRF and 20 ODRAF teams have been kept ready, he said.