Rains Expected in Northeast India as Mocha Makes Landfall

GUWAHATI: The cyclonic disturbance Mocha was upgraded to Category five or Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm category as it made landfall and wreaked havoc in parts of Myanmar and Bangladesh on Sunday. It is expected to cause heavy rains in several parts of Northeast India starting in the second half of Monday according to the Indian Meteorological Department.

Reports from the neighbouring countries mentioned that Mocha made landfall near 20.5 North Latitude and 92.9 East Longitude. The location is located about 40 kilometres from Sittwe in Myanmar and 145 kilometres from Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh between 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM (Indian Standard Time) on Sunday. Heavy rains and winds of speeds up to 195 kmph lashed the coastal regions of Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Heavy losses to the property were reported from both countries, but details were not known regarding losses to lives. The storm had gradually weakened as the disturbance moved ahead on the land. The government of Bangladesh had also issued a landslide warning in several places regarding the heavy rain forecasts. Videos were shared on social media showing roofs being blown off and roads being flooded.

The northeastern states of India are also expected to receive medium to heavy rains in the coming days because of Mocha. Warnings have been issued by the state administrations regarding possible heavy rains.

The rains are also expected to provide some respite from the heat that has been a problem because of the lack of rain in the last few weeks. The largest city of the region, Guwahati has been facing temperatures above 35 degrees Celcius that were triggered by the dry spell. Also, it is expected to bring down the dust levels in the city which has increased because of the multiple construction projects in the state.

Also Read: As Cyclone Mocha nears Myanmar, Bangladesh, thousands evacuated

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