Cyclone ‘Mocha’ Approaching, Three Indian States on Alert

The cyclone ‘Mocha’, which formed over the Bay of Bengal, is steadily moving towards the coast. According to the latest bulletin from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), over the past six hours the cyclone has been progressing towards land at a speed of 17 km/h, moving over the southwest, adjoining west-central, and southeast Bay of Bengal.

The IMD bulletin states that Mocha is expected to make landfall on Tuesday evening between Kakinada and Kalingapatnam on the coast of Andhra Pradesh.

The IMD issued its latest update on Monday at 9:00 p.m., forecasting that the cyclone will intensify into a “very severe cyclonic storm” by Tuesday morning. It will hit the coast in its severe form, bringing winds of 90–100 km/h, with gusts potentially reaching 110 km/h.

States on Alert

The southern states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, along with the eastern state of Odisha, have already issued warnings. Coastal residents have been evacuated, schools will remain closed on Tuesday, and several trains have been cancelled.

In Andhra Pradesh, the IMD has forecast heavy rainfall on Tuesday and Wednesday, prompting strict warnings across the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke by phone with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Monday. In Anakapalli district, schools will remain closed until Wednesday. A helpline and control rooms have been set up to assist residents, with the Chief Minister closely monitoring the situation.

Impact in Tamil Nadu and Other States

Rain and storms have already begun along the Tamil Nadu coast, with heavy rain warnings in Chennai. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has assured that the administration is fully prepared.

Several districts in Telangana — including Pedapalli and Adilabad — are also on alert for heavy rainfall. Coastal districts of Karnataka, such as Udupi and North and South Kanara, are expected to experience heavy rain. The Indian Railways, South and Central divisions, have cancelled several trains.

In Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh, train services have also been disrupted. IndiGo Airlines has issued advisory warnings that air services may be affected.

Situation in Odisha

Heavy rain has already begun in Gajapati district since Monday night, extending to other coastal districts. Rescue teams have been deployed in eight districts, and residents in low-lying and coastal areas have been urged to move to safe locations.

Authorities across the affected states are closely monitoring the cyclone and taking preventive measures to mitigate its impact.

Khabarwala/Maz