Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Hamoon[a] (/hɑːˈmun/) was a relatively strong tropical cyclone that made landfall in Bangladesh. The fourth named storm of the 2023 North Indian Ocean cyclone season, Hamoon formed from a low-pressure area over the west-central Bay of Bengal on 21 October 2023. It suddenly strengthened, peaking at Category 2-equivalent intensity with winds of 155 km/h (100 mph) in terms of 1-minute sustained winds. Making landfall, Hamoon rapidly weakened once inland, bringing severe rainfall to Bangladesh before dissipating on 25 October.
Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression
On 21 October, a low-pressure area was formed in the Bay of Bengal. On the same day, JTWC issued a TCFA and classified the disturbance as Tropical Depression 06B. Due to its favorable conditions, 06B intensified into a cyclonic storm, which granted the name Hamoon by the IMD. On 24 October, Hamoon intensified into a category 2-equivalent cyclone, reaching its peak intensity with sustained winds of 120 km/h (75 mph) and gusts of 140 km/h (85 mph). The storm landed on Cox's Bazar on the Bangladesh coast, bringing strong winds and intense rainfall into that area.[2] Hamoon dissipated over Myanmar on October 25 as it moved inland.
Impact
Bangladesh
Cyclone Hamoon brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to coastal Bangladesh, with seventeen killed and many injured.[3]
Response
Bangladesh
The government has implemented comprehensive measures to evacuate 1.5 million people from vulnerable areas, relocating them to government shelters across 10 coastal districts in preparation for Cyclone Hamoon.[4] The Chittagong Port Authority has taken precautionary measures by dispatching 88 ships to the deep sea in order to safeguard against potential damages from Cyclone Hamoon.[5]
Satellite infrared imagery of Cyclone Hamoon rapidly intensifying off the coast of Bangladesh
Volunteers from various organizations, including the Bangladesh Water Development Board, Fire Service, Red Crescent, and other volunteer groups, are prepared to handle the situation.[citation needed] Additionally, the local administration has urged fishermen to seek safe shelter through loudspeakers, and launches have been instructed to anchor in secure positions.[citation needed] The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) took the precautionary step of suspending the movement of all types of vessels in the Barisal division on Tuesday.[6][7]
India
Several districts of Tamil Nadu are expected to experience heavy rainfall for the next two days as cyclonic storm Hamoon is anticipated to further intensify. A yellow warning has been issued for six districts in the state.[8]
^The name was suggested by Iran, which is a Persian word referring to inland desert lakes or marshlands. These are formed as natural seasonal reservoirs in areas adjoining the Helmand basin.[1]
References
^"How did Cyclone Hamoon get its name?". The Business Standard. 24 October 2023. Archived from the original on 29 December 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
^"'Cyclone Hamoon' takes shape over the Bay of Bengal. 10 things to know". Hindustan Times. 23 October 2023.
^"seventeen killed as Hamoon lashes Ctg". The Daily Star. 26 October 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
^"Bangladesh evacuating 1.5M people as Cyclone Hamoon approaches". www.aa.com.tr. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
^"88 ships set sail for deep sea to dodge potential damage from Cyclone Hamoon". The Business Standard. 24 October 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
^"Millions urged to evacuate as Bangladesh braces for Cyclone Hamoon-Xinhua". english.news.cn. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
^"Cyclone Hamoon: Vessel movement in Barisal suspended". dhakatribune. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
^Bureau, DTNEXT (24 October 2023). "Cyclone Hamoon: Six districts of TN to receive heavy rain; yellow warning issued". www.dtnext.in. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Cyclone Hamoon.
Tropical cyclone
Subtropical cyclone
Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression
