| Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Hamoon | |
| Formed: | October 21, 2023 |
| Dissipated: | October 25, 2023 |
| Winds: | 65 |
| Gusts: | 75 |
| Pressure: | 984 |
| Winds: | 90 |
| Gusts: | 95 |
| Pressure: | 970 |
| Fatalities: | 17 |
| Missing: | 178 |
| Year: | 2023 |
| Damages: | 567000000 |
| Areas: | Bangladesh, Myanmar, Northeast India |
Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Hamoon 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. It suddenly strengthened, peaking with 10-minute sustained winds of 120 km/h (75 mph) and 1-minute sustained winds of 165 km/h (105 mph). Making landfall, Hamoon rapidly weakened once inland, bringing severe rainfall to Bangladesh before dissipating on 25 October.
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.[1] Hamoon dissipated over Myanmar on October 25 as it moved inland.
Cyclone Hamoon brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to coastal Bangladesh, with seventeen killed and many injured.[2]
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.[3] 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.[4]
Volunteers from various organizations, including the Bangladesh Water Development Board, Fire Service, Red Crescent, and other volunteer groups, are prepared to handle the situation. Additionally, the local administration has urged fishermen to seek safe shelter through loudspeakers, and launches have been instructed to anchor in secure positions. 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.[5] [6]
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.[7]