Cyclone 'Hamoon' intensifies into severe cyclonic storm; IMD issues alert in 7 states

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• Oct 24, 2023 | Dhupali Das

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning on Tuesday as Cyclone 'Hamoon' intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the...

Digital Desk: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning on Tuesday as Cyclone 'Hamoon' intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the northwest Bay of Bengal. The cyclone is now on track to make landfall in Bangladesh, impacting areas between Khepupara and Chittagong around noon on Wednesday, October 25, according to updates from the Meteorological Department.

To ensure the safety of residents in the affected areas, seven Indian states have been placed on high alert. These states include Odisha, West Bengal, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Assam, and Meghalaya. The IMD advises residents to stay vigilant and follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities.

As of 6 AM local time, the weather agency confirmed Cyclone 'Hamoon' had intensified, tweeting, "Cyclonic Storm 'Hamoon' intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the northwest Bay of Bengal."

At 3 AM, the cyclone continued to move northeastward at a speed of 18 kilometers per hour. It was centered over the northwest and adjacent west-central Bay of Bengal, approximately 200 kilometers southeast of Paradip in Odisha and 290 kilometers south-southeast of Digha in West Bengal.

In response to the impending cyclone, the IMD has issued rainfall warnings for several regions. Residents of Manipur, Mizoram, south Assam, and Meghalaya should prepare for heavy rainfall today and tomorrow, while Odisha and West Bengal should be on alert for heavy rainfall today.

Fishermen in the Bay of Bengal are also advised to exercise caution. The Meteorological Department has issued a warning, urging fishermen not to venture into the east-central, west-central, north, and areas along and off the coasts of Odisha, West Bengal, Bangladesh, and north Myanmar until October 25.

In addition to Cyclone 'Hamoon,' another storm, 'Tej,' originating from the Arabian Sea, intensified into an extremely severe cyclonic storm. According to the IMD's latest update, 'Tej' has crossed the Yemeni coast and weakened into a severe cyclonic storm. It is expected to continue moving northwestward and weaken further in the coming hours.

As both cyclones continue to evolve, authorities and residents are urged to stay updated on the latest weather information and follow safety guidelines to mitigate potential risks associated with these natural disasters.