Cyclone Shakhti Intensifies Over Arabian Sea, Minimal Impact Expected in Gujarat and Maharashtra

The first post-monsoon cyclonic storm in the Arabian Sea, Cyclone Shakhti, has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm with winds of 100 kmph, gusting higher, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday. The system is currently centred about 420 km off Dwarka, Gujarat, and is forecast to move west-southwest over the northwest and adjoining west-central Arabian Sea by Sunday, before recurving east-northeast from Monday morning and gradually weakening.

The IMD has warned that sea conditions will remain rough to very rough along the Gujarat–North Maharashtra coast and the Pakistan coast until Sunday.

Situation in Maharashtra

A cyclone warning has been issued for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg, with strong winds expected between October 3 and 7. However, IMD scientist Sushma Nair clarified that there is no direct threat to the Maharashtra coast, and only light to moderate rainfall is expected in Mumbai and nearby areas.

As a precaution, the Maharashtra government has instructed district authorities to activate disaster management systems, prepare evacuation plans, issue advisories against sea travel, and ensure safety during heavy rains. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, as wind speeds of 45–55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph, are likely along the north Maharashtra coast until October 5.

Situation in Gujarat

Gujarat’s coastal districts may experience heavy rainfall as the storm changes direction. IMD Ahmedabad official Abhimanyu Chauhan said, “Cyclone Shakhti will recurve on the morning of October 6, moving east-northeast. There is no need to panic, as the impact over Gujarat will be minimal. On October 8, heavy rainfall is expected in Dwarka, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Surat, Navsari, Valsad, Daman, and Dadra Nagar Haveli.”

Key Points – Cyclone Shakhti

• Intensified into a severe cyclonic storm with winds of 100 kmph.

• Located 420 km off Dwarka, moving west-southwest before recurving east-northeast on October 6.

• Gujarat’s coastal districts may receive heavy rainfall on October 8.

• Maharashtra districts including Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad are on alert; winds up to 65 kmph expected until October 5.

• IMD expects minimal impact on both states, with the cyclone gradually weakening by October 8.