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By Dipaneeta Das: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a low-pressure system formed in the Southeast Bay of Bengal. The low-pressure system is expected to turn into a severe cyclonic storm between May 9 and May 10.
The cyclone will be named Mocha (Mokha), a name suggested by Yemen after the Red Sea port city, which is known to have introduced coffee to the world over 500 years ago.
The potential impact of the low-pressure system is already being felt in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with heavy to very heavy rainfall predicted from May 8 to May 11. Fishermen have been instructed to return to shore by May 7 afternoon, and all coastal activities have been ordered to stop.
READ | IMD predicts Cyclone Mocha to make landfall in Odisha, West Bengal
Gusty winds in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are expected to range from 60 km to 90 km, and in some places, up to 100 km, posing a threat to life and property. The IMD has advised residents to stay indoors and avoid travelling during the storm. Further, regular tourism and offshore activities have also been advised to stop between May 8 to May 11.
The formation of this low-pressure system and its potential transformation into a cyclone is a cause for concern for coastal areas across the region, including those in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. The IMD has urged people to stay vigilant and follow safety protocols in case of any emergency.
WILL IT IMPACT KOLKATA?
As the cyclonic circulation over the Southeast Bay of Bengal is expected to develop around May 6, it is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm while moving northwards towards the central Bay of Bengal, the weather department said.
Although the intensity of the rainfall is yet to be ascertained, a cloudy forecast remains with the possibility of thunderstorms in some southern districts. As senior officials have been constantly monitoring the situation, they stated that so far predictions of rainfall in Kolkata are “scant and singular.”
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When asked if Kolkata will witness a heatwave-like situation or warm winds ahead of the cyclone, the official said, “In April generally the air generally has low-moisture content but during May the humidity in the atmosphere increases. Kolkata and other districts of Bengal experienced a heatwave earlier last month due to critically low humidity, which was just about 20%. Now, we are recording at least 50% humidity content in the atmosphere, which eliminates the possibility of sudden shooting up of temperature.”
Meanwhile, due to the IMD warning, several states across the country are on high alert, with local disaster response teams ready to respond in case of any emergency. The weather department has issued a warning in 18 districts of Odisha regarding the cyclonic storm ‘Mocha’.
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