Cyclone 'Hamoon' intensifies, poses imminent threat to Bangladesh; seven states on high alert

Cyclonic storm 'Hamoon' is very likely to further intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm over the northwest Bay of Bengal. Storm Hamoon, named by Iran, is a Persian word that refers to inland desert lakes.

Hyderabad: In a concerning weather update, Cyclone 'Hamoon' has rapidly intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the northwest Bay of Bengal, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a series of warnings and alerts. As the cyclone gathers strength, it is projected to continue its north-north-eastward trajectory, with an expected landfall in Bangladesh between Khepupara and Chittagong on Wednesday, October 25, around noon.

The impending cyclonic threat has put seven Indian states, including Odisha, West Bengal, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Assam, and Meghalaya, on high alert, while fishermen have been strongly advised to avoid venturing into the Bay of Bengal until the danger subsides.

The IMD, in its latest report, confirmed that Cyclone 'Hamoon' underwent a significant intensification at around 6 am on the mentioned day, evolving into a severe cyclonic storm. The weather agency took to its official Twitter handle to disseminate this crucial information, stating, "Cyclonic Storm 'Hamoon' intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over northwest Bay of Bengal."

As of 3 am, Cyclone 'Hamoon' had maintained a north-north-eastward trajectory, moving at a speed of 18 kilometres per hour. The storm's centre was positioned over the northwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal, approximately 200 kilometres southeast of Paradip in Odisha and 290 kilometres south-southeast of Digha in West Bengal. This ominous progression called for immediate attention and action by the concerned authorities.

The IMD's forecast has triggered a series of pre-emptive measures. Rainfall alerts have been issued for Manipur, Mizoram, south Assam, and Meghalaya for both today and tomorrow, along with additional warnings for Odisha and West Bengal for today. Furthermore, the Met Department has issued an advisory to fishermen, urging them to stay ashore and avoid the east-central, west-central, north, and the coastal areas off Odisha, West Bengal, Bangladesh, and north Myanmar coasts until October 25.

In a related development, Cyclone 'Tej,' which initially formed over the Arabian Sea and later intensified into an extremely severe cyclonic storm, has made its impact felt. According to the IMD, 'Tej' has crossed the coast of Yemen and has subsequently weakened into a severe cyclonic storm along the coastal region of Yemen. The IMD's latest update suggests that the cyclone is likely to continue its north-westward trajectory and further weaken into a cyclonic storm over the next six hours.

These developments underscore the urgency of preparedness and timely action to mitigate the potential impact of Cyclone 'Hamoon' in the Bay of Bengal and the continuing vigilance required for 'Tej' over the Arabian Sea. It is crucial for residents and authorities in the affected regions to remain attentive to further updates and heed the warnings from meteorological agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of all communities involved.