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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather alert for Maharashtra as Cyclone Shakhti intensifies over the Arabian Sea.
Cyclone Shakti: A police officer tries to move people away as high tide waves hit the Arabian Sea coast at Juhu Koliwada in Mumbai. (IMAGE: AP PHOTO)
As Cyclone Shakhti brews over the north Indian Ocean, its very name has sparked a wave of confusion among weather watchers and social media users alike. What’s the reason? Just a few months ago, in May 2025, online platforms were flooded with alarming posts about an approaching “Cyclone Shakti.”
The warnings spread fast, fuelling panic in coastal states. But the India Meteorological Department (IMD) quickly stepped in to clarify that there was no cyclone at all—only an upper-air circulation that never developed into a storm.
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Now, with an actual system forming, the real Cyclone Shakhti has arrived, though spelled slightly differently, with an added “h.” The similarity in names, however, has left many confused and sparked a debate online.
Here’s where the difference lies. The IMD names cyclones in sequence from a pre-approved list created by 13 countries bordering the north Indian Ocean. The name “Shakhti”, proposed by Sri Lanka, is the official one. It is only used when a weather system strengthens into a full cyclonic storm, with winds reaching 34 knots (around 62 kmph).
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather alert for Maharashtra as Cyclone Shakhti intensifies over the Arabian Sea.
According to officials quoted by PTI, Shakhti is the first cyclonic storm of the post-monsoon season in the Arabian Sea and is currently generating wind speeds of around 100 kmph, with stronger gusts expected.
As of Saturday afternoon, the IMD reported that the storm had strengthened into a severe cyclonic system and was moving westward at a speed of 18 kmph. At 12 pm, it was located roughly 420 km off the coast of Dwarka in Gujarat.
The weather department has also advised fishermen not to venture into the sea, and coastal residents are urged to stay alert as conditions are likely to worsen over the weekend.
About the Author
Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her…Read More
Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her… Read More
Maharashtra, India, India
October 04, 2025, 13:35 IST
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