Cyclone Hamoon (2023): A Retrospective Analysis
Formation and Meteorological History
Cyclone Hamoon was the fourth named storm of the 2023 North Indian Ocean cyclone season. It formed on October 23, 2023, over the Bay of Bengal and rapidly intensified as it moved north-northeastward. The storm reached its peak intensity on October 24, with maximum sustained winds of 148 km/h (92 mph), equivalent to a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Hamoon made landfall north of Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, at around 16:00 UTC on October 24, bringing heavy rainfall and storm surges of up to 0.8 m. After landfall, it weakened into a deep depression and moved inland over Bangladesh and northeastern India.
Impact and Damages
Bangladesh: The cyclone severely affected the coastal districts of Cox's Bazar and Chattogram. Over 590,000 people were impacted, with nearly 275,000 evacuated to shelters. Five fatalities and 85 injuries were reported. The storm damaged more than 30,000 households, uprooted trees, and caused widespread power outages and communication disruptions. In Cox's Bazar, over 1,000 shelters in Rohingya refugee camps were damaged, displacing nearly 3,000 refugees.
India: Heavy rainfall lashed eastern and northeastern states, including Odisha and West Bengal, prompting evacuations from low-lying areas. No major casualties were reported.
Myanmar: The storm's outer bands brought rain and gusty winds to coastal areas, but significant damage was not reported.
Government Response and Relief Efforts
Bangladesh's government, in coordination with humanitarian agencies, launched a massive relief operation. Over 273,000 people were evacuated to cyclone shelters. The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society and the UN provided emergency shelter kits, tarpaulins, and food. Power and communication restoration efforts were underway within days. The Rohingya refugee camps received targeted assistance, with shelter repairs and slope stabilization. The government also deployed forest department teams to clear uprooted trees.
Conclusion
Cyclone Hamoon highlighted the vulnerability of Bangladesh's coastal communities to tropical cyclones, exacerbated by climate change. The event underscored the need for sustained investment in early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, and international support for loss and damage.