Image Credits- Mint
The cyclonic storm ‘Hamoon’ has intensified into a severe cyclone, yet it is unlikely to have a substantial impact on Odisha, as the IndianMeteorological Department predicts it will pass the state’s coastline at a distance of approximately 200 kilometers.
Cyclonic Storm “Hamoon” intensified into a Severe cyclonic storm over the Northwest Bay of Bengal: India Meteorological Department pic.twitter.com/tTyJ3LLuUi
— ANI (@ANI) October 24, 2023
The storm is anticipated to further intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm within the next few hours while advancing through the Bay of Bengal at a speed of 21 kilometers per hour, as stated in an IMD bulletin. Subsequently, it is predicted to gradually weaken as it moves northeast and make landfall along the Bangladesh coast, specifically between Khepupara and Chittagong, on Tuesday evening, with cyclonic storm characteristics, featuring wind speeds of 65-75 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 85 kilometers per hour, according to the weather office.
After six hours of movement, the cyclonic storm escalated into a severe cyclonic storm. By 2:30 a.m. on October 24, it was positioned in the northwest Bay of Bengal, near coordinates 19.3°N latitude and 88.4°E longitude. The storm was located approximately 210 kilometers east-southeast of Paradip (Odisha), 270 kilometers south-southeast of Digha (West Bengal), and 350 kilometers south-southwest of Khepupara (Bangladesh).
The severe cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal is expected to bring light to moderate rainfall across most areas in the northeastern states of Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, and southern Assam. Mizoram is likely to experience heavy rainfall on October 24, with even more substantial downpours anticipated in Tripura. The risk of heavy rain will continue in these regions on October 25, although the intensity is expected to decrease by October 26, with only light to moderate rainfall in a few areas.
Cyclones Tej and Hamoon are regarded as twin cyclones formed over the northern Indian Ocean. The previous pair of twin cyclones, named ‘Luban’ and ‘Titli,’ were documented in 2018, as reported by the IMD.
IMD has issued advisories cautioning fishermen to avoid venturing into regions that might be impacted by Cyclone Tej and the depression in the Bay of Bengal in the upcoming days.