Context:

• According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Hamoon has started making landfall along the coast of Bangladesh and is expected to weaken into a deep depression within the next six hours.

Live Update on Cyclone Hamoon: Emergency Evacuations Underway as Cyclone Hamoon Approaches

• Bangladesh is preparing to evacuate 1.5 million people as cyclone Hamoon approaches, with the storm expected to make landfall.
  • Earlier, Cyclone Hamoon had intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm, and was close to Odisha, West Bengal and Bangladesh.
• Cyclone Hamoon is only the fourth time that a cyclone reached Category 1 cyclone intensity in the Bay in the post-monsoon season during El Nino [a climate pattern associated with warming].
• Twin Cyclone: For the first time since 2018, India is witnessing twin cyclonic storms.
  • After Cyclone Tej in Arabian Sea, another cyclonic system developed in the Bay of Bengal. 
  • Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘TEJ’ over coastal Yemen weakened into a cyclonic storm on October 24.

Must Read Article: Cyclone ‘TEJ’

Cyclone Hamoon: Anticipated Landfall, Impact, and Naming

• What is Cyclone Hamoon? It is currently in a deep depression over the west-central Bay of Bengal which is expected to intensify soon and move northwards and northeast towards coastal areas of Bangladesh and West Bengal.
• Named by: Following its formation, the cyclonic storm was named by Iran.
  • The word ‘Hamoon’ is a Persian word that refers to inland desert lakes or marshlands.
  • They are formed as natural seasonal reservoirs in areas adjoining the Helmand basin.
• Projected Landfall: It is projected to make a landfall along the Bangladesh coast between Khepupara and Chittagong after weakening into a deep depression. 
• Possible Impacts: 
  • Despite its reduced intensity, Hamoon is expected to bring rainfall to parts of India.
  • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy rains (64.5 mm-115.5 mm) in the northeastern states of Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, south Assam, and Meghalaya.
  • The (IMD) has also issued a yellow alert for coastal districts in Odisha and West Bengal due to the expected impact of the cyclone. 

Government Initiatives to Safeguard Against Cyclone Hamoon

• Warning to Fishermen: IMD has issued fishermen warning in Bay of Bengal. 
  • They have been asked not to venture into the east central, westcentral, north and along and off Odisha, West Bengal Bangladesh and north Myanmar coasts till October 25.
• A ‘storm warning cage number 2’ was installed at Pamban Port in Rameswaram to alert fishermen about the Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘Hamoon’ in the Bay of Bengal.
• The Municipal Administration in Odisha has alerted all Urban Local Bodies (ULB) in anticipation of the cyclonic storm ‘Hamoon’ in the Bay of Bengal.
• Chittagong Port Authority has issued Alert 3 as Cyclone Hamoon hurtles towards Bangladesh.

To read more about the Cyclone, Click Here