The first post-monsoon cyclonic storm of the season, ‘Shakti’, has formed over the northeast Arabian Sea and is intensifying as it moves toward the Gujarat coast. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system is expected to gain strength over the next two days, potentially becoming a severe cyclonic storm. While it is unlikely to make direct landfall on the Indian mainland, it could bring rough seas, strong winds, and heavy rainfall to coastal areas in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Cyclone Shakti has spread its influence near the Gujarat coast and continues to advance steadily. The IMD has issued serious warnings, with meteorologists indicating that the storm could become more intense within the next 24 hours, possibly escalating into a severe cyclonic storm.
As of Friday morning (October 3), the cyclone was centered approximately 270 km southwest of Naliya in Gujarat, 300 km west of Porbandar, and 360 km south of Karachi in Pakistan. It was moving northwest at about 8-13 kmph. The IMD forecasts wind speeds reaching up to 100 kmph, accompanied by very heavy rainfall. By Saturday (October 4), it is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm and shift west-southwest toward the central Arabian Sea by October 5.
Why is the Cyclone Named ‘Shakti’? Understanding the Naming Process
The storm has been officially named ‘Shakti’, a suggestion from Sri Lanka. This follows the standardized naming convention established by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). Under this system, eight countries—Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand—contributed to a list of 169 names in alphabetical order back in 2020.
Names are assigned only when a storm reaches sustained wind speeds of 65 kmph or more. ‘Shakti’, meaning “power” in Tamil and symbolizing strength, is the first name from this list for the current season. Note that an earlier false alarm in May 2025 about a ‘Cyclone Shakti’ in the Bay of Bengal caused confusion, but IMD clarified it was not a real surface cyclone—this time, the threat is genuine.
Alert for Fishermen and Coastal Areas
The IMD has issued alerts for several districts in Maharashtra until October 7, warning of gusty winds and heavy to very heavy rainfall in Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg. Squally winds of 55-65 kmph (gusting to 75 kmph) are already prevailing over the Arabian Sea, expected to strengthen to 75-85 kmph (gusting to 95 kmph) by Friday evening, and up to 125 kmph from October 4 evening to October 6 morning. Very high waves are anticipated, so fishermen are urged to avoid venturing into the sea until October 6-7.
Heavy rainfall is also likely in parts of Vidarbha and Marathwada, with flood-like conditions possible in low-lying areas of north Konkan. The Maharashtra government has directed district administrations to activate disaster management protocols, prepare evacuation plans for coastal and low-lying regions, discourage sea travel, and ensure robust safety measures.
Rising Threat in the Arabian Sea: A Recent Trend
Cyclones in the Arabian Sea are relatively rare compared to the Bay of Bengal, but recent years have seen an uptick due to warming sea surface temperatures. Notable storms include Tauktae (2021) and Biparjoy (2023). Experts note that while Shakti is not heading directly toward land, its potential for rapid intensification warrants vigilance to mitigate fringe impacts like localized flooding, tree falls, and disruptions along the west coast.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has also echoed these warnings, alerting coastal areas in Sindh, including Karachi, to possible dust storms, moderate rain, and winds up to 55 kmph. Residents in affected areas should stay updated via official IMD bulletins and prepare accordingly.
