Cyclone Shakti intensifies over Arabian Sea, IMD issues maritime warning
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported on Saturday that Cyclone Shakti, the first cyclonic storm of the 2025 season in the North Indian Ocean basin, has rapidly intensified into a ‘severe’ cyclonic storm. Meteorological agencies are closely monitoring the storm, which developed over the Arabian Sea on Friday.
Although the cyclone’s current trajectory indicates that it is moving away from the Indian subcontinent, eliminating any immediate threat of landfall on the west coast, its impact is being felt across the region. The IMD has issued advisories for coastal areas, especially Gujarat and Maharashtra, where rough seas and strong winds are expected.
Seafarers and fishermen have been strongly cautioned against venturing into the northwest Arabian Sea. The IMD warned that winds ranging from 60 kmph to 100 kmph will prevail in the region until Monday. Strong winds of up to 110 kmph are forecast in the northwest and northeast Arabian Sea until Saturday. Fishermen are advised to stay offshore until at least Tuesday.
This weather event marks the beginning of the post-monsoon cyclone season (October-December), which is known for cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
The development of Cyclone Shakti follows a particularly active month in the Pacific Ocean. Several powerful storms, including Typhoon Tapah (September 8), Typhoon Ragasa (September 20), Typhoon Neoguri (September 20), and Typhoon Bualoi (September 22), caused significant damage in the Philippines, China, and other coastal countries. Interestingly, the remnants of some of these Pacific storms later re-emerged as weather systems in the Bay of Bengal, highlighting the interconnectedness of regional weather patterns.
Source: Indian Express