Kolkata: A cyclonic storm named Midhili, which originated from a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to cross the Bangladesh coast near Kheuppara on the night of November 17 or morning of November 18, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The storm, which has a maximum speed of 80 kmph, is likely to pass through the Sundarbans before reaching the Bangladesh coast.
The IMD has issued a warning to fishermen not to venture into the sea near the North Bay of Bengal and West Bengal coasts till November 18, as the storm may cause strong winds and rough seas. The storm has been named Midhili by the Maldives, as per the naming convention followed by the countries affected by the cyclones of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
Due to the cyclonic storm, the IMD has also predicted heavy rain in the coastal districts of West Bengal and the northeastern states. The weather office said heavy rain is expected at isolated places in the coastal districts of West Bengal East Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, and North 24 Parganas on Friday. It said that hefty rains are expected over the northeastern states of Mizoram and Tripura, Nagaland, Manipur, South Assam, and East Meghalaya from Friday till Saturday.
The cyclonic storm is unlikely to have any major impact on Odisha, as it will pass 150 km above the state’s coast. However, some districts like Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur are expected to receive heavy rain on Friday. The Special Relief Commissioner of Odisha has asked all district officials to remain vigilant in view of the cyclone.
This is the second cyclonic storm to form over the Bay of Bengal during this season. The previous cyclone Hamun had also moved toward the Bangladesh coast in October.
