Cyclone 'Hamoon' likely to make landfall Wednesday, signal 4

The deep depression over the west-central bay and adjoining area moved north northeastward and intensified into a cyclonic storm Hamoon, according to the Met Office.  

Meanwhile, the met office displayed a warning signal, advising all four maritime ports to lower the local cautionary signal number three but instead hoist local no four. 

It now lies over the west-central bay and adjoining northwest bay at 6 pm on Monday, Azizur Rahman, director of Bangladesh

Meteorological Department, said during a briefing at the Meteorological Department on Monday.  

According to him, the cyclone is 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 southwest of Payra port. It is likely to move north northeastward and intensify further.

Along with this, all the fishing boats and trawlers in the North Bay of Bengal and deep sea have been asked to stay close to the coast until further instructions, so that they can go to the safe shelters with very short instructions. 

Azizur Rahman also said if the cyclone gains strength, the warning signal will be escalated accordingly. "Hanoom" may cross the country's borders by Wednesday. 

The met office director also urged all coastal residents to seek refuge in safe shelters immediately upon the announcement of the cyclone.

According to the latest weather bulletin, under the peripheral effect of the cyclone (heavy or 44-88 mm to very heavy 89 mm rain all with gusty/squally wind may occur over the North Bay and coastal areas of Bangladesh. It is expected that the maximum sustained wind speed within 54 km of the cyclone centre is about 62 Kph rising to 88 kph in gusts squalls. The sea will remain very rough near the cyclone Centre. 

Meteorologist Mostofa Kamal Palash, a PhD researcher specialising in meteorology and climate at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, told The Business Standard, "As per reports from the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre, operated by the US Navy, the deep low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into Cyclone "Hamoon" as of noon Monday."

Furthermore, Palash conveyed that the cyclone is anticipated to make landfall along the coast of Bangladesh between 25 October and 26 October.

He also offered a forecast for expected rainfall in various regions of Bangladesh from 23 October to 27 October. According to his analysis, the Barishal division is likely to experience rainfall ranging from 400 to 600 mm, the Khulna division from 300 to 400 mm, Chattogram from 200 to 400 mm, Dhaka from 150 to 250 mm, Sylhet from 150 to 250 mm, Mymensingh from 150 to 200 mm, Rajshahi from 150 to 200 mm, and Rangpur division from 75 to 125 mm.

Besides, meteorologist Abdur Rahman at Bangladesh Met office, stated that Cyclone "Hamoon" is currently moving toward Bangladesh, and it is expected to cross the coasts of Barishal and Chattogram.

Tourists asked to leave Saint Martin's 

More than 1,500 tourists visiting St Martin's Island have been ordered to leave the island due to the cyclone's adverse weather conditions. 

Simultaneously, comprehensive announcements have been disseminated across the island, ensuring that all hotel, motel, and resort authorities are informed through the concerted efforts of beach workers and the union council.

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Adnan Chowdhury, on Monday, officially confirmed this information. UNO Adnan Chowdhury emphasised, "All trawlers and speed boats plying the Teknaf-Saint Martin's waterway will remain closed until the severe weather subsides, or until an official warning signal is rescinded."

According to sources within the Ship Owners Association, more than 1,500 tourists are currently situated on Saint Martin Island. Their safe return to Teknaf is being arranged with the three designated tourist ships.