Cyclone Midhili, which made landfall on the Bangladesh coast on Friday afternoon, has weakened from a ‘deep depression’ to a ‘depression,’ according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). As of 8 am on Saturday, it is expected to further reduce to a Well Marked Low Pressure Area (WML) in the next six hours.
The deep depression, a remnant of Cyclonic Storm “Midhili,” was located over Tripura and adjoining Bangladesh, about 50 km east-southeast of Agartala and 160 km southwest of Silchar. The IMD’s forecast suggests that it will weaken into a WML over south Assam and adjoining Mizoram-Tripura within the next six hours.
Governments in various northeastern states have issued alerts following heavy rainfall on Friday as the cyclonic system intensified. Mizoram, Tripura, and Assam experienced varying degrees of rainfall, prompting precautionary measures. The first day of Meghalaya’s Cherry Blossom Festival had to be canceled due to adverse weather conditions.
The IMD issued alerts for Northeast India, emphasizing the likelihood of continuous rain accompanied by chilly winds on Saturday. Special weather bulletins provided updates on Cyclone Midhili’s movement. Mizoram, Tripura, and Assam are expected to witness ongoing rainfall, posing potential challenges for the affected regions.
While the cyclonic storm was anticipated to bring heavy rainfall to coastal districts of West Bengal and parts of Odisha, no major impact was reported in these areas. The IMD’s predictions allowed authorities to take precautionary measures, with Odisha’s Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) putting all District Collectors on alert.
In anticipation of rough sea conditions during the storm, fishermen were warned against venturing into deep seas until Saturday. These precautionary measures aimed to ensure the safety of coastal communities and maritime activities.
Cyclone Midhili’s weakening trajectory provides some relief, but the aftermath of heavy rainfall raises concerns for Northeast India. Ongoing alerts and precautions demonstrate the proactive measures taken by authorities to mitigate potential risks. Continued monitoring of weather updates and adherence to safety guidelines remain crucial in ensuring the
