'Mocha' intensifies into a severe cyclonic storm
May 12, 2023Issuing a red alert for multi day fishing trawlers at the Bay of Bengal Sea area, the Meteorology Department warned that the cyclonic storm “Mocha” over Southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm and lay cantered near 13.20N and 88.10E at 05.30 hours today (May 12).
It is very likely to move north-north-eastwards with further intensification, it also said mentioning that it is very likely to cross southeast Bangladesh and north Myanmar coasts around the noon of May 14.
The Met. Department advised the Naval and fishing communities not to venture into the seas bounded by (05N - 20N) and between (83E – 100E) until further notice and those who are out at said sea areas to return to the coasts or move out to safer areas with immediate effect.
Further requesting the naval and fishing communities to be vigilant while engaging in fishing and naval activities in the sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Pottuvil via Matara and Hambantota, the Met. Department also advised them to be on alert about their future weather forecasts.
