Maharashtra braces for Cyclone Shakti, IMD warns rain

Maharashtra braces for Cyclone Shakti, IMD warns rain

Maharashtra on alert as Cyclone Shakti nears; IMD warns of heavy rain, strong winds, rough seas, fishermen cautioned.

Maharashtra on Edge as Cyclone Shakti Intensifies

The season’s first cyclonic storm in the Arabian Sea has officially intensified into Cyclone Shakti, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Friday. The storm, named by Sri Lanka, has quickly grown in strength, sparking warnings across coastal Maharashtra.

As of Friday afternoon, Shakti was positioned roughly 300 km west of Dwarka and 360 km west of Porbandar. Meteorologists say the system is expected to further intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by tonight, though it is likely to remain offshore over the next two days.

Still, its impact will be felt. For the people of Maharashtra, especially those along the coast, the message is clear: brace for heavy rainfall, strong winds, and turbulent seas.

Forecast for Maharashtra

The IMD has issued warnings covering Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts. Between October 3 and 5, these regions could experience wind speeds of 45–55 km/h, gusting up to 65 km/h. Alongside the winds, rain showers are expected to intensify, particularly in Mumbai and the Konkan belt.

For Mumbai residents, the news is sobering. The city has already endured bouts of heavy rain this monsoon, and another spell raises concerns about waterlogging and traffic chaos. In low-lying areas, the risk of flooding will remain high, especially if high tide coincides with heavy showers.

Rough Seas and Fishermen’s Warnings

The IMD has also warned of rough to very rough sea conditions along the North Maharashtra coast. Fishermen have been strongly advised not to venture into the sea until the system weakens. Many fishing communities in Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg have already pulled back their boats, securing nets and equipment in anticipation of the storm’s impact.

For those who rely on the sea for their livelihood, the pause will be painful but necessary. “It’s better to lose a few days of work than risk our lives out there,” said a fisherman from Alibaug, echoing the cautious mood across the coast.

What Lies Ahead

While Shakti is expected to remain offshore, meteorologists caution that cyclones can be unpredictable. Even if the system does not make landfall in Maharashtra, its outer bands are powerful enough to bring intense local rainfall, flooding, and gusty winds. Authorities are keeping a close watch, with disaster management teams on standby in Mumbai and other vulnerable districts.

For now, Maharashtra waits and watches, as Cyclone Shakti spins its way across the Arabian Sea — a reminder of nature’s force at the start of the cyclone season.