As predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the deep depression over the West-central Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm ‘Hamoon’ (pronounced as Hamoon) on Monday.
As per the IMD, the deep depression intensified into a cyclonic storm after moving at a speed of 14 kmph during the past six hours. Currently, cyclone Hamoon is about 230 km south-southeast of Paradip (Odisha), 360 km south of Digha (West Bengal), and 510 km south-southwest of Khepupara (Bangladesh).
It is likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm over the northwest Bay of Bengal during the next 12 hours, said the IMD.
As per the IMD, it is very likely to move nearly north-northeast-wards and cross the Bangladesh coast between Khepupara and Chittagong around noon of October 25 as a deep depression.
Earlier, the IMD had clearly stated that the impact of cyclone Hamoon will not be felt in Odisha. However, several parts of Odisha are likely to experience light to moderate rainfall activity under its impact.
Apart from this, there could be some damage to puja pandals under the influence of gusty winds, the IMD DG said.