Cyclone Midhili Intensifies in Bay of Bengal: Coastal Regions Brace for Impact

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Cyclone Midhili’s Impact: Emergency Services on High Alert in Odisha and West Bengal

Midhili-Cyclone-Warning
Midhili-Cyclone-Warning

November 17, 2023: In the latest update from the India Meteorological Department, the Deep Depression that was looming over the Northwest Bay of Bengal has now intensified into a cyclonic storm named “Midhili.”

As of early morning today, Cyclone Midhili was centred near latitude 20.1°N and longitude 88.5°E, approximately 190 km east of Paradip (Odisha), 200 km south-southeast of Digha (West Bengal), and 220 km southwest of Khepupara (Bangladesh).

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The Current Trajectory of Midhili

The cyclonic storm has been moving north-northeastwards at a speed of 20 kmph. Midhili is expected to continue on this path and make landfall near the Bangladesh coast, close to Khepupara. During the night of November 17 and the early hours of November 18, 2023, wind speeds are anticipated to reach 60-70 kmph, with gusts up to 80 kmph.

Forecasted Intensity and Path

The IMD’s forecast indicates a gradual intensification of cyclone Midhili. By 1130 hours IST on November 17, the storm is expected to attain maximum sustained wind speeds of 70-80 kmph, gusting up to 90 kmph. However, there will be a gradual weakening of the storm post landfall. By the evening of November 18, the cyclone is likely to diminish to a depression with wind speeds of 35-45 kmph, gusting to 55 kmph.

Weather Warnings

  1. Rainfall Warning: Coastal districts of West Bengal are likely to experience light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy showers until the evening of November 17. Similarly, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall, with very heavy rainfall in isolated places, particularly in Mizoram and Tripura on November 17.
  2. Wind Warning: Gale wind speeds of 60-70 kmph, gusting to 80 kmph, are currently prevailing over the Northwest Bay of Bengal. This is expected to increase to 70-80 kmph, gusting to 90 kmph, over the North Bay of Bengal throughout the day. Wind speeds are expected to decrease gradually post-November 18 morning.
  3. Sea Condition: Very rough to high sea conditions are prevailing over the North Bay of Bengal and along the Bangladesh coast, expected to continue until the morning of November 18. The West Bengal coast is also likely to experience rough to very rough sea conditions.

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Fishermen Warning and Damage Expectations

Fishermen are advised not to venture into the North Bay of Bengal, along and off the West Bengal and Bangladesh coasts, and adjoining central Bay of Bengal till the evening of November 17. Expected damages include harm to thatched huts, minor damage to power and communication lines, major damage to kutcha roads, and some damage to crops and orchards.

Preparedness and Response

The cyclonic storm Midhili is under continuous surveillance, and all concerned departments have been alerted. The IMD will issue the next update at 1130 hours IST on November 17, 2023. Coastal regions, particularly in Odisha and West Bengal, are on high alert, with emergency response teams and disaster management units in readiness to mitigate the impact of Midhili.

The situation remains dynamic, and residents in the affected areas are advised to stay updated through official channels and adhere to safety guidelines issued by local authorities.

Stay tuned for further updates on Cyclonic Storm Midhili.

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