Cyclone Hamoon intensifies into severe cyclonic storm: Bangladesh Met Office

Cyclonic storm ‘Hamoon’ has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the northwest Bay of Bengal, said a special bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) today.

Maritime ports of Chattogram and Payra have been advised to hoist danger Signal 7 while Cox’s bazar and Mongla ports have been asked to hoist danger Signal 6 and 5 respectively, reports BMD bulletin.

It now lies over northwest Bay and adjoining area and was centred at 6 am today about 490 km west-southwest of Chattogram port, 455 km west-southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 365 km southwest of Mongla port, and 355 km southwest of Payra port, it said.

The severe cyclonic storm is likely to hit Bangladesh coast on Wednesday and intensify further, reads the bulletin. Maximum sustained wind speed within 64 km of the cyclone centre is about 90 kph, rising to 110 kph in gusts/squalls.

The sea will remain high near the severe cyclone centre, according to the bulletin.Under the peripheral effect of the severe cyclone, heavy to very heavy rainfall with gusty or squally wind may continue over north Bay and coastal areas of Bangladesh, according to the BMD forecast.

Meanwhile, all fishing boats and trawlers over north Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice, said the special bulletin.