Cyclone Hamoon intensifies, heavy rainfall alert in several states
What's the story
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday said that Cyclone Hamoon has intensified into a "severe cyclonic storm" over the northwest Bay of Bengal. The weather department also issued alerts for several northeastern states and West Bengal, warning that the cyclonic storm could cause heavy rainfall and strong winds in these states. The storm is predicted to progress in a north-northeastward direction and reach Bangladesh around midday on Wednesday as a deep depression.
Context
Why does this story matter?
India is currently facing rare twin cyclones Tej and Hamoon—a phenomenon last witnessed in 2018. While Cyclone Tej is developing into a "severe cyclonic storm" in the Arabian Sea, Cyclone Hamoon is currently taking shape over the Bay of Bengal. The IMD also predicted that Cyclone Hamoon would head to Bangladesh. Earlier, another cyclonic storm named Cyclone Biparjoy caused heavy rainfall in some Indian states in June.
Details
Northeastern states brace for moderate to heavy rainfall
Due to Cyclone Hamoon, light to moderate rain is expected in most areas of the northeastern states of Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, and southern Assam. On Tuesday, heavy rainfall is likely to occur in Mizoram, with even more intense rainfall forecasted in Tripura, the IMD said. The threat of heavy rain will continue in these regions on Wednesday, but the severity is expected to diminish by Thursday, with light to moderate rainfall occurring in some areas, it added.
What Next?
Cyclone Hamoon to impact coastal districts of Odisha, West Bengal
The effect of Cyclone Hamoon will also be experienced in the coastal districts of Odisha and West Bengal, per the meteorological department. The IMD forecasted light to moderate rain in most parts of Odisha on Tuesday. West Bengal, known for its grand pandals and massive celebrations of Durga Puja, is also at risk of receiving heavy rainfall. The IMD also cautioned fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea during this period.
Insights
Strong winds expected across eastern India
Cyclone Hamoon is expected to create powerful winds across the Bay of Bengal and various eastern regions of India. Squally winds with speeds between 40-50km/h, gusting up to 60 km/h, are anticipated until Tuesday along and off the coast of Odisha. These winds will form along and off West Bengal, Bangladesh, and north Myanmar coasts starting Tuesday morning. On Wednesday, squally winds will likely persist over Mizoram and Tripura, while strong winds are expected over south Assam and Manipur.