Cyclone Mocha intensifies into very severe cyclonic storm: BMD

Cyclone ‘Mocha’ has intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm over the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining area, according to a special bulletin by Bangladesh Meteorological Department on Friday morning.

The cyclonic storm is likely to further intensify in coming hours and it has moved further north-northeastwards, according to the special bulletin.

It was centred at 6:00 am on May 12 about 1095 kms south-southwest of Chattogram port, 1025 kms south-southwest of Cox's bazar port, 1055 kms south-southwest of Mongla port and 1020 kms south-southwest of Payra port.

The bulletin said maximum sustained wind speed within 74km of the cyclone centre is about 120 kph rising to 140 kph in gusts or squalls. Sea will remain very high near the storm centre.

The maritime ports of Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram and Mongla have been advised to keep hoisted distant warning signal no-2 (two).

According to BMD weather forecast, rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty/squally wind is likely to occur at a few places over Chattogram & Barishal divisions and at one or two places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna & Sylhet divisions.

Meanwhile, mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping over Dhaka, Rangpur, Khulna & Barishal divisions and the regions of Rajshahi, Pabna, Sirajgonj, Srimangal, Sandwip, Rangamati, Cumilla, Chandpur, Noakhali & Hatiya and it may abate.