New Delhi: The Eastern coasts of West Bengal & Odisha are bracing for a cyclonic storm – Cyclone Mocha this week. According to the latest bullet in by Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the Cyclone Mocha may intensify into a very severe storm by May 12 (Friday) and the wind speed could reach about 130 km/h. The cyclone is expected to make landfall in Odisha & West Bengal during the weekend. All the states on Eastern coasts have been put on alert and evacuation measures being readied, if the need arises. According to Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of IMD said “the low-pressure area may turn into depression by Tuesday evening & then into a cyclone storm the next day.” When will Cyclone Mocha make landfall and where? According to the weather office, the depression over Bay of Bengal may give way to Cyclonic storm on May 10. Whether it will hit the Bengal or Odisha coast is still not clear, the weather experts are yet to define its clear roadmap. Kolkata-based weatherman said that Cyclone Mocha’s route & landfall will become more clearer in next 24 hours. Warning by MeT Dept Ahead of the Cyclone’s landfall, the weather department has alerted all seafaring vessels & fishers to avoid going into the sea till Tuesday. It also had a word of caution for tourists visiting Andaman & Nicobar islands between May 8 & May 12. How was Cyclone Mocha named? The series of cyclones are named based on their regional presence. Cyclone Mocha (Mokha) was suggested by Yemen, reports said. There is a big global order on how the cyclones are named. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and member countries of United Nations Economic and Social Commission (ESCAP) are responsible for identification & naming of any typhoon. As per WMO rules, tropical cyclones in Atlantic & Southern Hemisphere are named in alphabetic orders and women’s & men’s names are alternated in between. In Northern Indian Ocean, however, the cyclones are not named on basis of gender, and listed in terms of alphabet.
