The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that Cyclone ‘Hamoon’ has escalated into a severe cyclonic storm over the Northwest Bay of Bengal. The cyclone is currently projected to continue its path in a nearly north-northeastward direction, with landfall expected on the Bangladesh coast between Khepupara and Chittagong around noon on October 25, 2023, in the form of a deep depression.
As Cyclone ‘Hamoon’ intensifies, several states in India are bracing for heavy rainfall and potential weather disruptions. The northeastern states of Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Meghalaya, along with southern Assam, are expected to experience light to moderate rainfall, while Mizoram faces the possibility of heavy downpours on October 24. Tripura is also likely to witness heavier rainfall, with the risk of heavy rain continuing into October 25, albeit with reduced intensity by October 26. South Assam and eastern Meghalaya may receive light to moderate rainfall on October 24-25, with isolated heavy rainfall expected in south Assam.
The coastal districts of Odisha are not exempt from Cyclone ‘Hamoon’s’ influence, as light to moderate rainfall is anticipated in most areas on October 24. Likewise, the coastal districts of West Bengal are advised to prepare for weather disturbances, with light to moderate rainfall forecasted across most places on the same day and isolated heavy rainfall expected in coastal areas.
In addition to heavy rainfall, Cyclonic Storm ‘Hamoon’ is generating strong winds across the Bay of Bengal and various regions of Eastern India. Squally winds with speeds ranging from 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, are anticipated until October 24 along and off the Odisha coast. These winds will commence along and off the West Bengal, Bangladesh, and North Myanmar coasts starting from the morning of October 24. Subsequently, they are expected to gradually intensify, reaching speeds of 55-65 kmph, gusting to 75 kmph along and off the Bangladesh coast, 50-60 kmph, gusting to 70 kmph along and off the North Myanmar coast, and 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph along and off the West Bengal coast on October 25.
On October 25, squally winds with speeds ranging from 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, are likely to prevail over Mizoram and Tripura. Strong winds with speeds of 30-40 kmph, gusting to 50 kmph, are expected over South Assam and Manipur on the same day. The impact of Cyclone ‘Hamoon’ is being closely monitored, and residents in the affected areas are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Sources By Agencies