Maharashtra on High Alert as Cyclone Shakhti Intensifies Over Arabian Sea
Mumbai, October 4 – The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a heavy rain and strong wind alert for Maharashtra as Cyclone Shakhti gathers strength over the Arabian Sea. Authorities have stepped up disaster preparedness, with evacuation measures being readied for vulnerable coastal regions.
According to the IMD, the cyclone, moving west-northwest at around 8 kmph, is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Saturday morning before shifting west-southwestwards towards the central Arabian Sea by October 5.
Areas Under Alert
Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts remain on moderate to high alert until October 7. Coastal winds already reaching 45–55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph, may intensify further as the storm strengthens.
Hazardous Conditions
The northern Maharashtra coastline is facing hazardous sea conditions, likely to persist through October 5. Fishermen have been strictly warned against venturing into the sea, while residents in low-lying coastal zones have been advised to remain prepared for tidal surges and flooding.
Heavy Rainfall Predicted
Apart from coastal areas, heavy to very heavy rains are forecast across East Vidarbha, Marathwada, and North Konkan. Authorities have warned of the possibility of flash floods in low-lying regions.
Current Location
As of 8:30 pm on Friday, Cyclone Shakthi was centered approximately 300 km west of Dwarka, 330 km south-southwest of Karachi, and 360 km west of Porbandar.
The storm, named Shakthi by Sri Lanka, is expected to bring rough to very rough sea conditions along the Gujarat and north Maharashtra coasts, as well as parts of Pakistan’s coastline, till Sunday.
Officials said all disaster management agencies are on standby, and relief shelters are being prepared as a precaution.
