The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) recently warned about a cyclonic or low-pressure area developing in the Bay of Bengal. Named cyclone Mocha (pronounced Mokha), it was expected to cause high rainfall in the region from May 8 to May 12
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the route of cyclone Mocha is expected to be clear in the next two days. The cyclone is moving nearly northwards towards central Bay of Bengal and adjoining North Andaman Sea
As per most models, the cyclone is likely to make landfall in Myanmar and we have not issued any landfall warning for any Indian coast, Mrutyunjoy Mohapatra, the director-general of IMD, told DownToEarth on May 6. However, he did warn against making conclusions till the low-pressure area is formed
The IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall in several West Bengal districts today (May 8). This is due to a rise in heat and humidity level. A met spokesperson said that North Bengal districts are unlikely to be affected by the cyclone as the cyclonic system would affect south Bengal, if it forms and makes landfall in the coastal belt of Bangladesh-Myanmar later this week
There is a forecast of light to moderate rainfall accompanied by lightning in Kolkata, North and South 24 Parganas, Hooghly, Bankura, Birbhum, Purba Medinipur, Howrah, Purba and Paschim Bardhaman
In the next 24 hours, light rainfall is forecast in northern West Bengal. Cities likely to be affected include Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Coochbehar, Uttar Dinajpur, Dakshin Dinajpur and Malda
Cyclones are formed when a number of specific conditions are met in the ocean and atmosphere. Cyclones can continue to grow in strength and size as it moves across the warm ocean. As it approaches land, it can cause significant damage due to its high winds, storm surges, and heavy rainfall
Worldwide there are six regional specialised meteorological centres (RSMCs) and five regional Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs) mandated for issuing advisories and naming of tropical cyclones
The India Meteorological Department is one of the six RSMCs to provide tropical cyclone and storm surge advisories to 13 member countries. RSMC, New Delhi is also mandated to name the Tropical Cyclones developing over the north Indian Ocean, including the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea
Suggestions from a group of nations called WMO/ESCAP (World Meteorological Organisation/United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific), which comprised Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand, are considered and the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones (PTC) finalise the list
The name for Cyclone Mocha was suggested by Yemen after the Red Sea port city, which is known to have introduced coffee to the world over 500 years ago