Cyclone Shakti, the first major cyclone of the 2024 monsoon season, is intensifying rapidly in the Arabian Sea, triggering red alerts across multiple Indian states. Here’s everything you need to know about this powerful storm and its potential impact.
📌 Highlights:
- IMD issues red alerts for Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa
- Wind speeds may exceed 130 kmph in affected regions
- Heavy rainfall and flood warnings in Mumbai, Konkan, Saurashtra & Kutch
- NDRF, SDRF, and Navy teams on standby
- Cyclone Shakti could be the strongest pre-monsoon cyclone in Arabian Sea since 2021
🌊 What Is Cyclone Shakti?
Cyclone Shakti is a severe cyclonic storm that has developed over the east-central Arabian Sea. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system intensified from a deep depression into a cyclonic storm on May 24, 2025, and is now expected to strengthen into a very severe cyclonic storm (VSCS) within the next 48 hours.
The storm is being closely monitored by both national and international weather agencies, with satellite imagery showing well-defined cloud bands and rapid intensification.
📍 Current Location and Movement
As of 8 AM IST on May 26, 2025, Cyclone Shakti is located approximately:
- 420 km southwest of Mumbai
- 370 km west of Goa
- 600 km south-southwest of Porbandar
The cyclone is moving north-northeastward at a speed of around 15 km/h. It is expected to approach the Maharashtra and Gujarat coasts by May 28, with possible landfall between Diu and Alibaug depending on its trajectory.
🔴 Red Alerts Issued by IMD
The IMD has issued red alerts for the following areas due to the potential impact of Cyclone Shakti:
Maharashtra:
- Mumbai, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Palghar
- Warning of extremely heavy rainfall (over 204.4 mm in 24 hours)
- Wind gusts up to 130 kmph
- Possibility of urban flooding and landslides
Gujarat:
- Saurashtra and Kutch regions
- Wind speed may reach 110–120 kmph, gusting to 135 kmph
- Fishermen advised not to venture into the sea
- Evacuation of coastal villages underway
Goa:
- Heavy rain and squally winds forecasted
- Local administrations have shut down schools
- Beaches closed, tourists advised to remain indoors
💨 Expected Wind Speed & Rainfall
- Wind speed: 110–130 kmph along the Maharashtra and Gujarat coasts
- Rainfall:
- Mumbai: 150–200 mm/day (peak rainfall on May 27–28)
- Konkan coast: 100–150 mm/day
- Gujarat coast: 120–180 mm/day
- Sea conditions: Very rough to high (wave height 3–6 meters)
🛑 Precautionary Measures in Place
🚨 Disaster Management & Emergency Services
- NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) has deployed 18 teams across coastal Maharashtra and Gujarat
- Indian Navy and Coast Guard on high alert, with ships and aircraft ready for search & rescue
- State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) coordinating with district officials
🏥 Healthcare Preparedness
- Hospitals in coastal areas instructed to maintain emergency response units
- Backup generators and oxygen supply lines checked
- COVID-19 and other infectious disease wards placed on alert
🏠 Shelter and Relief
- More than 75,000 people being evacuated from low-lying areas
- Relief camps set up with food, water, and medical supplies
- Schools and government buildings converted into temporary shelters
⚠️ What Citizens Should Do
If You Live in an Affected Area:
- Stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel
- Keep your phones charged and emergency numbers handy
- Store adequate food, water, and medication
- Don’t go near the sea or venture into flooded streets
- Follow official instructions from the local administration
Emergency Numbers:
- NDRF Helpline: 011-24363260
- State Helpline – Maharashtra: 1070
- Gujarat Helpline: 1077
🌍 International Alerts and Forecast Models
International weather models including those from JTWC (Joint Typhoon Warning Center) and ECMWF predict that Cyclone Shakti could further intensify before weakening near landfall due to interaction with dry air and terrain friction.
There is also a high risk of coastal inundation in low-lying areas of western India, particularly Alibaug, Daman, Porbandar, and Veraval.
📉 Cyclone Shakti vs Past Cyclones
Cyclone Shakti may surpass the intensity of:
- Cyclone Tauktae (2021) – which battered Gujarat and western Maharashtra
- Cyclone Nisarga (2020) – which made landfall near Alibaug
Meteorologists warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of Arabian Sea cyclones due to warming sea surface temperatures and higher atmospheric moisture levels.
📰 Government Response
Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a high-level review meeting on May 25 with state disaster officials and IMD. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tweeted urging citizens to remain calm and follow safety guidelines.
Financial assistance and post-cyclone rehabilitation packages are being prepared in anticipation of damage.
📷 Visuals from Ground Zero
Images and videos emerging from the Konkan coast show:
- Huge waves crashing into breakwaters
- Flooded streets in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg
- Local fishermen moving their boats to higher ground
- Trees being felled due to gusty winds
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🧠 Expert Opinions
Dr. M. Mohapatra, DG of IMD, said:
“Cyclone Shakti has shown signs of rapid intensification. Citizens must remain vigilant. We are coordinating closely with state governments to minimize the impact.”
Climate scientist Dr. Roxy Mathew Koll noted:
“The Arabian Sea is becoming increasingly active due to warming waters, which feed the intensity of storms like Cyclone Shakti.”
🔚 Brace for Impact
Cyclone Shakti is a serious threat to life and property across India’s western coast. With government agencies mobilizing resources and citizens preparing for landfall, the next 48 hours are critical.
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