In an unusual occurrence, India is currently experiencing the development of twin cyclones in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal simultaneously. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported on Monday that a deep depression in the West-central Bay of Bengal has intensified into a ‘severe’ Cyclonic Storm. Named Cyclone Hamoon by Iran, the term originates from Persian and refers to inland desert lakes or marshlands.
In response to the cyclone warnings, the IMD has issued rain alerts in several states and warnings for fishermen. Odisha, which has already received around 15 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours due to the system, is expected to continue to experience light to moderate rain in coastal areas on Monday and Tuesday. According to the IMD, heavy rainfall (7-11 cm) may occur in specific locations in Bhadrak, Kendrapada, and Jagatsinghpur until 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday. The Odisha government has also instructed all district collectors to be prepared for potential emergencies and directed authorities to evacuate residents from low-lying areas in the event of heavy rain.
Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the Director General of the IMD, has indicated that Odisha is not expected to bear the direct impact of the impending cyclone. However, there is concern that some Durga Puja pandals, which may not be adequately fortified to withstand strong wind speeds, could be vulnerable to damage, as reported by the news agency PTI.
In addition to Odisha, the IMD has projected light to moderate rainfall in various regions, with isolated heavy rainfall likely, along with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in Kerala on October 23. As per the latest IMD forecasts, coastal districts of West Bengal are also poised to receive moderate rainfall on Tuesday and Wednesday. The weather forecasting agency issued a yellow watch for significant districts in West Bengal, such as Howrah and Hoogly, on Tuesday. According to the IMD, light to moderate rainfall is anticipated in most areas on October 23 and 24, with isolated heavy rainfall expected in coastal regions of West Bengal on October 24.
Moreover, the northeastern states are poised to experience substantial rainfall. According to the IMD, isolated heavy rainfall is expected in Mizoram, while heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in Tripura on both October 23 and 24. The IMD also foresees isolated heavy rainfall in the same region on October 25. It has been further mentioned that the intensity of rainfall will diminish on October 26, with light to moderate rainfall anticipated in a few areas throughout the region. Additionally, the weather department has predicted light to moderate rainfall in several locations in southern Assam and eastern Meghalaya on both October 24 and 25, with isolated heavy rainfall expected in southern Assam.