Cyclone ‘Shakti’ Forms Over Arabian Sea, IMD Issues Heavy Rain Alert For Mumbai
Cyclone Shakti, the first cyclonic storm of the post-monsoon season, has formed over the Arabian Sea, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue alerts for heavy rain and high winds along the Maharashtra coast, including Mumbai, between October 3 and 7. The state government has activated its disaster management machinery as several coastal districts brace for rough weather conditions over the next few days.
The IMD has placed Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg on alert, warning of wind speeds reaching 45-55 kmph, with gusts up to 65 kmph. Fishermen have been strongly advised not to venture into the sea, which is expected to be very rough to high. While the cyclone’s core is predicted to stay away from the Indian coastline, its outer bands are expected to lash the coast with heavy to very heavy rainfall, potentially triggering flooding in low-lying areas of the North Konkan region.
As of Friday morning, Cyclone Shakti was centered about 300 km west of Porbandar in Gujarat and was moving northwestwards. The system is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Saturday before tracking away from the Indian coast towards the central Arabian Sea. An IMD official confirmed the storm’s trajectory, stating, “The system won’t directly impact land but will affect sea conditions.”
In response, the Maharashtra government has issued a “yellow alert” for Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Pune, and Ratnagiri, instructing district administrations to prepare evacuation plans and issue public advisories.The cyclone warning comes as Maharashtra is already anticipating above-normal rainfall for October, according to the IMD. Just last week, Mumbai and surrounding districts were hit by intense rainfall, putting authorities on high alert. With Cyclone Shakti now active, residents in coastal areas are being advised to take precautions and stay updated on weather warnings.
