Two powerful cyclones, Tej in the Arabian Sea and Hamoon in the Bay of Bengal, have simultaneously formed in the North Indian Sea. This rare occurrence is set to have significant repercussions for the coastal states of India and neighboring countries.
Cyclone Tej was formed in the Arabian Sea and is on a trajectory towards the coasts of the Yemen and Oman. It will make reach the area between Al Ghaidah (Yemen) and Salalah (Oman) early on 25 October.
On Wednesday, Cyclone Hamoon, a severe cyclonic storm, is set to hit Bangladesh, unleashing powerful winds and heavy rains on several Indian states, including West Bengal and Odisha.
This occurrence of twin cyclones is a once-in-a-blue-moon event, which last occurred five years ago in 2018, when cyclones Luban and Titli formed in the North Indian Sea.
In a rare event, tropical storms would occur simultaneously on both sides of the Indian coastline. However, Cyclones ---Tej and Hamoon would follow different tracks, separated by 2,500 kilometres.
According to the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) prediction, Hamoon will further strengthen and then wind down near the Bangladesh coast.
According to the IMD, Cyclone Hamoon poses no serious threat to the Indian coast, but strong winds could cause some damage in the Indian state of Odisha.
However, the IMD issued a warning to fishermen and advised them to refrain from all waters besides the Bay of Bengal on Thursday. The weather department has also forecasted rains in many Indian states, including West Bengal, Odisha. Tripura, Meghalaya Assam between 24-26 October.