IMD issues alert, Cyclone Mocha to intensify into severe storm by midnight

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday issued rainfall alerts for several northeastern states and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the view of cyclonic storm 'Mocha'. These areas are likely to receive heavy rainfall due to the movement of the cyclone over central Bay of Bengal.

The cyclonic storm Mocha, present over southeast Bay of Bengal, is likely to move northwards from Thursday. The IMD said it will intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm by Thursday midnight over central Bay of Bengal.

The cyclone which got its name from a small town in Yemen - Mocha - is expected to have maximum sustained wind speed of 150-160 kmph gusting to 175 kmph, as per the



IMD.

Tripura and Mizoram are expected to receive rainfall at most places on May 13 and May 14, as per the IMD notification issued on Thursday. Some isolated areas in the states may receive heavy rainfall.

Nagaland, Manipur and south Assam are also likely to witness rains on May 14 with heavy rainfall in certain areas.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands may receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on May 12, 13 and 14.

The IMD said the storm will gradually move north-northeastwards and further intensify. Cyclone Mocha is likely to cross cross southeast Bangladesh and north Myanmar coasts between Cox’s Bazar (Bangladesh) and Kyaukpyu (Myanmar), close to Sittwe (Myanmar) on May 14.