Cyclone Mocha to make landfall with winds of up to 175 kms: IMD

Cyclone Mocha is forecast to make landfall on Sunday along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, with winds of up to 175 kilometres (108 miles) per hour, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The IMD has predicted a storm surge of between two and two and a half metres (6-8 feet) for the low-lying coastal region, reports LiveMint.com.

The cyclone will reach peak intensity Saturday evening and is likely to weaken slightly from Sunday morning and cross the coasts of Bangladesh and Myanmar, according to the India Meteorological Department. 

Its predicted landfall zone cuts across an area home to roughly a million Rohingya refugees.

Around 8,600 volunteers in Cox's bazar and 3,400 Rohingya volunteers in the refugee camps, have been deployed in Bangladesh, said Ahmadul Haque, director of Bangladesh's Cyclone Preparedness Programme, AFP reported.

Cyclone Mocha will have a maximum speed of 130 kmph during landfall, according to Indian Meteorological Department. 

Its impact on West Bengal is yet to be identified. The cyclone will fall between Bangladesh and Myanmar. 

The weather forecasting agency has warned fishermen to not to venture near the sea.

According to meteorological department, cyclone Mocha will be at its peak intensity around May 13 evening. Afterwards, it is likely to weaken slightly from May 14 morning.