Mocha intensifies into severe cyclonic storm: Meteorology Dept.

The cyclonic storm "Mocha" over the Southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, the Forecasting Division of the National Meteorological Centre said.

They said the cyclonic storm is likely to move northward and gradually intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm during the next six hours over the central Bay of Bengal.

Thereafter, it is likely to recur gradually and move north-northeastward with further intensification.

The system is likely to cross southeast Bangladesh and northern Myanmar coasts around noon on May 14.

Therefore, the naval and multi-day fishing communities are advised not to venture into the sea areas until further notice.

Naval and fishing communities are requested to be vigilant while engaging in naval and fishing activities in the sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Pottuvil via Matara and Hambantota and in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Trincomalee via Puttalam, Mannar, Kankasanthurai and Mullaitivu.

Naval and fishing communities are also requested to be attentive to future forecasts issued by the Meteorology Department in this regard. (Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama)