Cyclone Shakti in Arabian Sea Becomes Severe: Fishermen Warned, Gujarat Not in Major Danger

The Arabian Sea has once again become the center of attention with the formation of Cyclone Shakti in Arabian Sea. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this cyclonic storm has intensified and is likely to grow stronger in the next 24 hours. The cyclone, which has developed during the ongoing monsoon season, is the first significant storm of the year for the Indian subcontinent. While the system is expected to move away from the Indian coastline, its impact will still be felt along the shores of Gujarat and northern Maharashtra in terms of strong winds and rough sea conditions.

IMD has issued warnings to fishermen, advising them not to venture into the sea for at least five days, given the dangerous sea conditions expected. However, officials have also reassured people in Gujarat that there is no need to panic, as the cyclone will have only limited impact on the state.

Wind Speed Increasing Rapidly

At present, the wind speed in the core of Cyclone Shakti in Arabian Sea is estimated between 95 to 105 kilometers per hour, and it is expected to increase to 115 kmph soon. By October 4th evening, the wind speed could rise further to 110–120 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 135 kmph. This intensity is forecast to last for at least the next 24 hours before the system gradually weakens as it shifts its course.

Cyclone Likely to Take a U-Turn on October 6

As per IMD, the cyclone is expected to continue its west-northwest movement until October 5. However, by October 6, Cyclone Shakti is likely to take a U-turn and move back towards Gujarat. Even with this turn, experts say the system will weaken by the time it nears the coast.

This means there will be no heavy rainfall in Gujarat for the next five days, though some areas may experience light showers. The cyclone’s influence is expected to remain mostly offshore, sparing the state from widespread damage.

Expert’s Statement on Impact in Gujarat

Abhimanyu Chauhan, a scientist at IMD, explained that the cyclone will have minimal effect on Gujarat. While the storm is expected to curve towards the state, its strength will reduce, ensuring limited damage. Fishermen have been strictly warned not to enter the sea for five days due to the dangerous conditions.

According to forecasts:

• Coastal areas may see winds blowing at 40–55 kmph.
• On October 8, districts such as Dwarka, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Surat, Navsari, and Valsad may witness moderate to heavy rainfall.
• Ahmedabad and nearby regions may only see scattered light rain showers.

Current Location and Movement

At 8:30 am today, the cyclone was centered over the northeast and adjoining northwest Arabian Sea. It was located about 470 kilometers west of Dwarka and 470 kilometers west-southwest of Naliya. In districts such as Gir Somnath and Porbandar, ocean currents have already been reported, signaling the cyclone’s growing strength.

In the past six hours, Cyclone Shakti in Arabian Sea has moved westward at a speed of 18 kilometers per hour, showing signs of intensification. The disaster management departments of both Gujarat and Maharashtra are keeping close watch on the system, preparing for any sudden changes.

Forecast for Gujarat and Maharashtra

Between October 4 and 7, strong winds are expected along the Gujarat and northern Maharashtra coasts. The IMD predicts wind speeds of 45–55 kmph, with gusts reaching 65 kmph. Although the cyclone will primarily remain at sea, these coastal states will still experience its side effects.

Meteorologist Athreya Shetty has highlighted that the system could return towards Gujarat on October 6 and 7, bringing a new spell of rainfall in southern Saurashtra.

• Coastal regions: Strong winds and rainfall are expected on October 6 and 7.
• Inland areas: Light to moderate, and in some places, heavy showers may occur.

Fishermen Issued Strong Warning

The biggest concern with Cyclone Shakti in Arabian Sea is the condition of the sea. IMD has issued a serious warning to fishermen:

• Between October 4 and 7, sea conditions will remain very rough in the northwest and adjoining northeast Arabian Sea.
• Along the Gujarat and northern Maharashtra coasts, the sea will range from rough to very rough, posing a threat to small fishing boats and marine operations.
• Fishermen have been instructed to completely avoid venturing into the Arabian Sea until October 7.

Authorities are taking this warning seriously, as previous cyclones in the Arabian Sea have led to loss of lives and property when such instructions were ignored.

Why Cyclone Shakti May Not Hit Gujarat Hard

Unlike some of the stronger cyclones in recent years such as Tauktae (2021), this storm is not expected to make a direct landfall in Gujarat. Instead, its path suggests a U-turn movement that will reduce its strength before it comes close to land.

Experts believe the cyclone will lose momentum while traveling over sea for several days, and once it curves back, it may only cause localized rainfall and moderate winds along the Gujarat coast. This is why officials are repeatedly asking residents not to panic.

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Preparedness and Safety Measures

The Gujarat government has already placed disaster management teams on alert. Coastal districts are monitoring the situation closely. Ports have been instructed to halt fishing and shipping operations temporarily. Villagers near the coastline are being informed about safety protocols.

If the cyclone strengthens unexpectedly, evacuation plans are ready to be implemented, though current predictions suggest such a step may not be necessary.

The Science Behind Arabian Sea Cyclones

Cyclones like Shakti form when warm ocean waters combine with favorable wind patterns and atmospheric conditions. The Arabian Sea has seen an increase in such systems over the last decade, partly due to rising sea surface temperatures linked to climate change.

In recent years, cyclones such as Nisarga, Tauktae, and Biparjoy have caused damage in western India. Cyclone Shakti in Arabian Sea reminds us once again of the unpredictable nature of the ocean and the importance of preparedness.

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Key Takeaways

1. Cyclone Shakti in Arabian Sea is the first major cyclone of the current monsoon season.
2. The storm has intensified, with wind speeds likely to reach 120–135 kmph in the next 24 hours.
3. The cyclone will take a U-turn by October 6, moving closer to Gujarat but in a weakened state.
4. Gujarat will see only limited impact, with light to moderate rainfall in some areas.
5. Fishermen have been strictly advised to stay away from the sea until October 7.
6. Coastal districts like Dwarka, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Surat, Navsari, and Valsad may experience moderate to heavy rainfall.

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Conclusion

While Cyclone Shakti in Arabian Sea is intensifying in the open waters, its effect on Gujarat and northern Maharashtra will remain manageable. The cyclone is a reminder of the importance of respecting nature’s power and the critical role of timely warnings issued by meteorological departments.

People in Gujarat need not panic but should remain cautious, especially those living in coastal areas. Fishermen, in particular, must follow the advisories and avoid venturing into the sea. With preparedness and awareness, the impact of Cyclone Shakti can be minimized.