New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday issued a warning stating that a "cyclonic storm" may form in the Bay of Bengal by May 9, leading to "heavy to very heavy" rainfall in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and surrounding areas.

According to IMD, a cyclonic circulation formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal on Saturday.

Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the same region by May 8 morning. It is likely to concentrate into a depression over the Southeast Bay of Bengal around May 9.

The weather agency said thereafter, it is likely to intensify into a "cyclonic storm" while moving nearly northwards towards the central Bay of Bengal.

If the system develops into a cyclonic storm, it would be known as cyclone Mocha, a name recommended by Yemen, and originating from the Yemeni city Mocha (or Mokha) located on the Red Sea coast.

It, however, added that the details of its path and intensity will be provided after the formation of the low-pressure area.

In view of this, IMD predicted squally weather with wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is likely to prevail over the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Andaman Sea from Sunday onwards.

It also forecasts "heavy to very heavy" rainfall during May 8-11 over cyclonic Islands.

The agency said the sea condition is likely to be rough from Sunday and very rough from May 9 onwards over the southeast Bay of Bengal.

It is likely to be very rough to high over the southeast and adjoining central Bay of Bengal from the 10th onwards.

"Sea condition is likely to be rough to very rough over Andaman Sea during May 8 and 9 and very rough to high over North Andaman Sea from May 10 onwards," it said.

The fishermen, small ships, boats, and trawlers have been advised not to venture into the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas of the Andaman Sea from May 7 onwards, and into the southeast & adjoining central Bay of Bengal from May 9 onwards.

In view of this, the weather department has also issued a warning in 18 districts of Odisha regarding a cyclonic storm.

The weather officials also warned the fishermen in West Bengal against venturing into the Southeast and Bay of Bengal from May 7 onwards.

Those who are in the sea areas should return to the surface by May 7, the officials added.

The following telephone numbers will be functional from 07.00 hrs on May 7, 2023, at ‘Integrated Control Room’, Lalbazar in/c/w the ensuing low pressure in the Bay of Bengal.

1. 94326 10450 (Whatsapp)
2. 2214 1890
3. 2250 5033
4. 2250 5044
5. 2250 5146