Cyclone ‘Shakti’ to hit Gujarat, Ahmedabad among other cities to receive rainfall

The first cyclonic storm of 2025, Cyclone Shakhti or Shakti, is forming in the Arabian Sea. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has released information about the cyclone. As per the IMD, a deep depression has formed in the northeastern part of the Arabian Sea, which is gradually intensifying into a cyclone.

The IMD has predicted rain along with thunderstorms for various districts in Gujarat including Ahmedabad until October 9.

Light to moderate rain or thundershowers is likely in Banaskantha, Patan, Mehsana, Sabarkantha, Gandhinagar, Aravalli, Kheda, Ahmedabad, Anand, Panchmahal, Dahod, Mahisagar, Vadodara, Chhotaudepur, Narmada, Bharuch, Surat, Tapi, Navsari, Valsad, Daman, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Junagadh, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Morbi, Dwarka, Gir Somnath, Botad, Diu, and Kutch from October 4 to 9.

IMD said on Friday, “Deep Depression  intensified into a cyclonic storm #Shakhti is over NE Arabian Sea and lies near latitude 21.7N and longitude 66.8E,about 250 km west-southwest of Dwarka. To move west-southwestwards and intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm in the next 24 hrs.”

As of October 4, the cyclone is over northwest and adjoining northeast Arabian Sea near latitude 22.0N and longitude 64.5E,about 470 km west of Dwarka, 470 km west-southwest of Naliya.

Why the name ‘Shakti’?

There is a specific procedure for naming cyclones. This system, initiated in 2024, applies to storms in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. Countries involved include India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The name ‘Shakti’ was given by Sri Lanka. It is a Tamil word meaning ‘strength’ or ‘power’.

Winds in Gujarat could reach 100-110 km/h

The IMD has issued warnings about strong winds and high waves in the Arabian Sea. Currently, winds in the Arabian Sea are blowing at 55-65 km/h, which could increase to up to 75 km/h. On the evening of October 3, winds are expected to strengthen to 75-85 km/h.

From the evening of October 4 to the morning of October 6, the cyclone could intensify further, with winds reaching 100-110 km/h and gusts potentially up to 125 km/h.

Fishermen advised to avoid the sea

Due to the strong winds associated with Cyclone Shakti, the IMD has strictly advised fishermen not to venture into the Arabian Sea from October 3 to 6.