Cyclone ‘Hamoon’ likely to hit Wednesday

The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm ‘Hamoon’.

Under the peripheral effect of the cyclone, huge clouds started entering the coastal areas of Bangladesh and rainfall with gusts and squally winds occurring in various parts of the country including Dhaka.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said in the weather forecast the deep depression over west central Bay and adjoining areas moved north-northeastwards, intensified into a cyclonic storm ‘Hamoon’ and now lies over west-central Bay and adjoining northwest Bay.

It was centred at 6:00pm on Monday about 670 kms west-southwest of Chattogram port, 630 kms west-southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 540 kms southwest of Mongla port and 540 kms south west of Payra port.

It is likely to move north-northeastwards and intensify further.

Under the peripheral effect of the cyclone, heavy to very heavy rainfall with gust/squally wind may occur over North Bay and coastal areas of the country.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 54 kms of the cyclone centre is about 62 KPH rising to 88 KHP in gusts/squalls.

The sea will remain very rough near the cyclone centre.

Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been asked to lower local cautionary signal No. 3 and hoist local warning singal No. 4.

All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and deep sea have been advised to take shelter immediately.

BMD meteorologist Abul Kalam Mollik told Prothom Alo on Monday night the deep depression has intensified into a cyclonic storm ‘Hamoon’ and under its effect, huge cloud are entering the coastal area of Bangladesh. As a result, rainfall may increase over the country including coastal area.

The cyclone may hit the coast of Bangladesh on Wednesday noon, resulting in heavy rainfall in the coastal area and at various places of the country, he added.

Meanwhile, the met office said rainfall occurred in the capital and at the various places of the country. As of 6:00pm on Monday, 59 milliliter of rainfall was recorded in Dhaka. Rain hit the coastal area.

According to meteorologists, cyclone ‘Hamoon’ differs significantly from super cyclones ‘Sidr’ and ‘Aila’. Previous cyclones had centered over on average 1,000 km off the coast and intensified 5-7 days before swiping over the coastal area.

Whereas cyclone ‘Hamoon’ originated 600km off the Bangladesh coast and is approaching fast towards the coastal area at a speed of 15 KMH, which is why the cyclone is not getting time to regain its strength.

In the meantime, Indian Metrological Department (IMD) said in a forecast on Monday evening cyclone ‘Hamoon’ would approach toward the coastal area of Bangladesh on Monday night and may cross Bangladesh coast between Khepupara and Chittagong around evening of 25th October as a cyclonic storm with wind speed of 65 to 75 KMH gusting to 85 KMH.

Cyclone ‘Tej’ lies Arab Ocean moved away from India coast and is approaching toward Yemen and Oman coast, and the cyclone may cross Yemen and Oman on Tuesday.

Meteorologists in Bangladesh said there will be almost no effect of cyclone ‘Tej’ on Bangladesh.