Four States On Alert As Cyclone Maha In Arabian Sea And Cyclone Bulbul In Bay Of Bengal Intensify

Four Indian states, two on the west coast and two on the east are on high alert since Wednesday (6 November) after weather officials predicted impact from two cyclones that are developing in the two seas surrounding the Indian subcontinent in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, reports Hindustan Times.

According to India Meteorological Department officials, the cyclones Maha and cyclone Bulbul were a rare concurrent occurrence, although not unprecedented.

The states that will be affected due to cyclone Maha are Gujarat and Maharashtra, while the developing cyclone Bulbul will likely affect Bengal and Odisha.

Sunita Devi, IMD scientist in-charge of cyclones said, “Last year in October, we had very severe cyclone Titli in Bay of Bengal and cyclone Luban in the Arabian Sea in the same week. It is, however, uncommon to see cyclones in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal at the same time.”

Sunita Devi added that, “When the zone is active, lots of vortices form. Under favourable conditions like when there is enough moisture and sea surface temperature are warmer, it can lead to formation of cyclones. The Arabian Sea is very active this year.”

The IMD said “It is very likely to move nearly eastwards, weaken into a cyclonic storm by 6 November evening. Thereafter, it is likely to move east-northeastwards, weaken further into a deep depression by early morning of November 7... it is very likely to skirt Saurashtra coast and lie centered about 40 km south of Diu as a deep depression,”.