Cyclone Shakti Intensifies to Severe Storm in Arabian Sea; Mumbai Alert Downgraded

Cyclone Shakti Reaches Severe Status Over Arabian Sea

Cyclone Shakti has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the Arabian Sea, marking it as the first post-monsoon cyclonic storm in the region for 2025. The storm is currently churning with sustained wind speeds between 118 and 165 km/h, with gusts initially reported up to 110 kmph. As of Saturday morning, October 4, the cyclone was centered approximately 420 km west-southwest of Dwarka, Gujarat, and was moving west-southwestwards at a speed of 13–18 kmph.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that the system is expected to continue its west-southwestward movement, reaching the northwest and adjoining west-central Arabian Sea by Sunday, October 5. Subsequently, it is forecast to re-curve east-northeastwards from Monday morning, October 6, and is projected to gradually weaken.

Revised Forecast for Mumbai and Pune; Warnings for Coastal Maharashtra

Contrary to earlier expectations, the IMD has significantly downgraded its alert for Mumbai. The city is now forecast to experience only light, scattered rain or occasional drizzles until October 8, with heavy rain alerts being eased. An official statement clarified, 'There is no threat of heavy rain over Mumbai & Maharashtra from Cyclone Shakti. Unnecessary panic and rumours are spreading. Please rely only on verified updates.' For Pune, light rain is forecast for Sunday, October 5, with a 20% chance of rain during the day.

Despite the eased forecast for Mumbai, the IMD has issued high to moderate cyclone warnings for six coastal districts of Maharashtra: Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg, valid from October 3 to 7. Wind speeds of 45–55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph, are expected along the North Maharashtra coast between October 3 and 5. Sea conditions are anticipated to remain rough to very rough until at least October 5, prompting authorities to advise fishermen against venturing into the sea.

While no direct landfall is expected on the Indian coast, the cyclone's influence extends to interior regions. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast for parts of interior Maharashtra, particularly in East Vidarbha and sections of Marathwada. There is also a risk of flooding in low-lying areas of North Konkan due to intense cloud cover and moisture influx.

Government Preparedness and Public Advisories

In response to the cyclone alert, the Maharashtra government has activated disaster management units across vulnerable districts. District administrations have been directed to prepare evacuation plans for citizens in coastal and low-lying areas, issue public advisories, and maintain safety during heavy rains. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state emergency operations centers are closely monitoring the storm's trajectory and providing regular updates.

Residents in affected areas are advised to:

• Stay indoors during heavy rains and high winds.
• Secure loose items like furniture and satellite dishes.
• Avoid walking or driving through waterlogged streets.
• Follow official updates from the IMD and local authorities.

Fishermen have been strongly advised not to venture into the Northwest Arabian Sea, the adjoining areas of the northeast Arabian Sea, the central Arabian Sea, and along and off the Gujarat-north Maharashtra coasts until at least Tuesday, October 8.