Cyclonic Storm 'Midhili' Intensifies Over Bay of Bengal, Threatens Bangladesh Coast with High Winds and Heavy Rainfall
The Indian Meteorological Department has reported that a cyclonic storm named 'Midhili' is intensifying over the Bay of Bengal and is expected to make landfall on the Bangladesh coast on November 17 or 18. Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea, and several districts in Odisha and West Bengal are likely to experience heavy rainfall.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm, named 'Midhili'. The storm is expected to graze past the Sunderbans before making landfall on the Bangladesh coast. The maximum wind speed of the storm is estimated to be 80 kmph. According to the IMD, 'Midhili' is predicted to cross the Bangladesh coast on the night of November 17 or the early hours of November 18. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea in the north Bay of Bengal and along the West Bengal coasts until November 18.
CS Midhili crossed Bangladesh coast near Khepupara during 1430-1530 IST and lay centered at 1730IST over Coastal Bangladesh about 20km ENE of Bhola and 30km WSW of Maijdicourt. Likely to move NNE and weaken into a Deep Depression over Tripura and adj Bangladesh during next 6 hrs. pic.twitter.com/Rrjfk5YRHM
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) November 17, 2023
The cyclone is currently moving in a north-northeasterly direction, approximately 200 km south-southeast of Digha in West Bengal and 220 km southeast of Khepupara in Bangladesh. The IMD has stated that it is expected to continue on this path and cross the Bangladesh coast near Khepupara with wind speeds of 60-70 kmph, gusting up to 80 kmph. The cyclone, named 'Midhili' by the Maldives, poses a low risk to the state of Odisha as it is projected to pass over 150 kilometers away from the state's coast. However, some districts such as Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur are likely to experience heavy rainfall.
The Odisha Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has put all District Collectors on alert in response to the cyclone. The SRC has emphasized the importance of preparedness and ensuring the state machinery is ready for any eventuality. The cyclone is also expected to bring heavy rainfall to coastal districts in West Bengal and northeastern states. Purba Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, and North 24 Parganas districts in West Bengal are likely to experience isolated heavy downpours. In the northeastern states of Mizoram and Tripura, heavy rainfall is forecasted for Friday, while Nagaland, Manipur, south Assam, and east Meghalaya are expected to see heavy rainfall until Saturday. This marks the second deep depression of the season, with the previous cyclone, Hamoon, also heading towards the Bangladesh coast.
