Maharashtra is on high alert as Cyclone Shakti Maharashtra, the season’s first major cyclone over the Arabian Sea, continues to intensify and move west-northwest. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and turbulent sea conditions to the state’s coastal districts, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue warnings and disaster authorities to activate emergency response measures.
According to IMD, Cyclone Shakti has already strengthened over the northeast Arabian Sea, and its impact is likely to be felt across Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg until at least October 7. Winds along the northern Maharashtra coast have already reached speeds of 45–55 kmph, with gusts peaking up to 65 kmph. Weather officials have warned that these speeds could rise further as the cyclone moves deeper into the sea.
Alerts for Coastal Maharashtra
The IMD has placed Mumbai and several other coastal districts under high to moderate alert. Authorities have already started preparing evacuation plans in low-lying and vulnerable areas, especially where the risk of tidal surges and flooding is high. Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea until further notice, as sea conditions are predicted to remain rough to very rough through the coming days.
The northern coast of Maharashtra is expected to experience hazardous weather until at least October 5, with warnings of storm surges, flooding, and localized damage to infrastructure. Disaster management teams are on standby in coastal towns, while the state government has instructed district administrations to remain fully prepared for any emergency evacuations.
Heavy Rains Across Maharashtra
Meteorologists predict that Cyclone Shakti will not only impact coastal regions but also bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to the state’s interior districts. Parts of East Vidarbha and Marathwada are likely to witness intense downpours, while North Konkan may face flooding in its low-lying areas.
In Mumbai, authorities are preparing for potential waterlogging, which has long been a challenge for the city during heavy monsoon rains. Commuters have been advised to remain cautious, and emergency helplines are being made available for citizens in case of urban flooding.
Cyclone’s Path Towards Gujarat
Although Maharashtra is expected to face the maximum impact, the IMD has also warned that Cyclone Shakti will gradually move towards Gujarat after October 6. However, weather scientists have assured that the impact in Gujarat will likely be limited compared to Maharashtra.
Abhimanyu Chauhan, an IMD scientist, explained that the cyclone formed in the northeast Arabian Sea with a westward movement of around 18 kmph. “On the morning of October 6, it will start moving towards Gujarat, but the impact will be very low. There is no need to panic as wind speeds in Gujarat are expected to be in the range of 40–55 kmph, and rainfall will be moderate,” he said in an interview with ANI.
International Naming and Cyclone Details
The cyclone has been named “Shakti” by Sri Lanka, following the established regional system of cyclone naming. According to IMD’s latest bulletin, the storm is expected to track west initially before veering west-southwest. By Saturday morning, it is likely to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm before moving towards the central Arabian Sea by October 5.
Under its influence, the Arabian Sea is expected to remain extremely rough along the Gujarat coast, northern Maharashtra, and even the Pakistan coastline until Sunday. As of the latest update, the storm was moving at a speed of 8 kmph and was positioned approximately 300 km west of Dwarka, 330 km south-southwest of Karachi, and 360 km west of Porbandar.
Also read: Cyclone Shakti in Arabian Sea Becomes Severe: Fishermen Warned, Gujarat Not in Major Danger
Fishermen and Coastal Residents on Alert
The most immediate concern remains the safety of fishermen and coastal communities. Authorities have issued repeated advisories against sailing, stressing that the cyclone’s unpredictable path could lead to sudden escalation in wind speeds and sea conditions. Fishermen who are already out at sea have been instructed to return to shore at the earliest.
Coastal residents in districts like Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg are on high alert for tidal surges, and temporary shelters are being readied in case mass evacuations become necessary. Meanwhile, disaster management teams are monitoring water levels in rivers and dams to prevent sudden flooding in nearby villages.
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Maharashtra’s Preparedness Efforts
The Maharashtra government has directed its disaster management units, police, and municipal bodies to remain on 24/7 watch. Emergency supplies, including food, water, and medical aid, are being stocked in vulnerable districts. Hospitals have also been put on alert to handle any medical emergencies resulting from the cyclone.
Mumbai’s civic body, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), has deployed extra staff to monitor drains, subways, and low-lying areas. With previous cyclones like Nisarga and Tauktae fresh in memory, officials are keen on ensuring minimal disruption to daily life and safeguarding human lives.
Conclusion: Cyclone shakti maharashtra
Cyclone Shakti Maharashtra is shaping up to be a significant weather event, not just for the state’s coastal belt but also for its inland regions. With strong winds, heavy rains, and rough sea conditions predicted, authorities are leaving no stone unturned in their preparedness measures. While Gujarat may see limited impact, Maharashtra is expected to bear the brunt of the storm over the coming days.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow official advisories closely. As the storm continues to intensify, the next few days will be crucial in determining its overall impact on Maharashtra’s coastal and inland regions.
