Bhubaneswar: Like an annual event that occurs every year, a summer cyclone is likely to take place in the Bay of Bengal around May 9 though details of its path and intensification has not been assessed yet, the IMD said Wednesday.
Since 2018, Odisha has been ravaged by cyclones on a regular basis. In 2018, Cyclone Titli struck suddenly changing its course and entering Gajapati district catching the administration by surprise. Then in May 2019, Cyclone Fani caused extensive damage to the state, followed a few months later in November by Cyclone Bulbul.
Even before Odisha had recovered from the damages, Cyclone Amphan once again ravaged parts of Odisha in 2020. The following year, Odisha again had to bear the brunt of Cyclones Yaas and Gulabthat caused extensive damages to some parts of the state.
However, IMD Director General Mrutunjay Mohapatra said that once formed Cyclone Mocha (as it will be titled) is in all likelihood to spare Odisha. The name has been suggested by Yemen after its Red Sea port city.
“The guidance of numerical models indicates formation of a cyclonic storm around May 9, but its movement and intensification may be determined after the low-pressure area forms May 7. However, there is no forecast so far regarding landfall over India. But fishermen are advised against venturing into the sea from May 7,” Mohapatra informed.
Asked about the likely impact on Odisha coast once the cyclone takes shape, Mohapatra said no alert has been issued for it or any other place in eastern India. He also urged people not to panic.
“The system is unlikely to affect Odisha. IMD is constantly monitoring the low-pressure area which is likely to concentrate into a depression over southeast Bay of Bengal, May 8. So there’s no need to panic,” Mohapatra stated.
However, keeping in view the weather development, the Odisha government has already put collectors of 18 coastal and adjoining districts and officials of 11 departments on alert, special relief commissioner, (SRC) Satyabrata Sahu said Wednesday.
A statement by SRC’s office said: “As per the tropical weather outlook dated May 3, 2023, issued by IMD, the development of cyclonic circulation around May 6 is under constant watch. IMD will communicate details of its path and intensity. No warning has been issued by IMD for Odisha coast.” The statement added, “However all cyclone-prone districts are kept in a state of readiness. Districts and line departments along with the NDRF, ODRAF and others are in readiness for any possible eventuality.”
PNN