As a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal gains strength, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated the potential for it to intensify into a cyclone named ‘Hamoon’ by Monday evening, as designated by Iran. The system, currently positioned in the west-central Bay of Bengal, is approximately 400 km from Odisha’s Paradip and 550 km south-southwest of Digha in West Bengal.
In response to the impending weather event, the Odisha government has issued directives to all district collectors, urging preparedness for any eventualities. The administration has been instructed to initiate evacuations from low-lying areas in anticipation of heavy rainfall.
Weather scientist US Dash explained that the cyclonic system is expected to move about 200 km from the Odisha coast. Under its influence, light to moderate rainfall is forecasted in coastal Odisha on Monday, with similar conditions expected to persist over the next two days.
Specifically, the weather department has identified the likelihood of light to moderate rainfall in several northern and southern coastal districts, including Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, and Dhenkanal. As a precautionary measure, the fisheries and animal resources development department has advised fishermen to refrain from venturing into deep seas.
The fishing industry, a vital component of the coastal regions, is on high alert due to the cyclonic threat. Fishermen are being urged to exercise caution and adhere to the advisory to avoid deep-sea fishing activities. The industry is closely monitoring the situation, recognizing the potential impact on both the safety of fishermen at sea and the overall fisheries sector.