Cyclone Shakhti Weakens Near Oman, India Escapes Impact
Cyclone Shakti weakens, sparing India’s coast from major impact.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that the severe cyclonic storm “Shakhti”, churning over the westcentral and northwest Arabian Sea, has weakened into a cyclonic storm as it nears the Oman coast. According to IMD’s latest update, the storm, centered approximately 200 km southeast of Masirah, Oman, and 310 km south-southeast of Ras Al Hadd, moved southwards at 5 kmph over the past six hours. It is expected to further weaken into a depression by the morning of October 7, 2025, as it drifts east-southeastwards over the Arabian Sea.
The name “Shakhti,” meaning “power” in Tamil, was proposed by Sri Lanka under the regional cyclone naming system managed by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) since 2004. Despite its powerful name, the first cyclone of 2025 has veered away from India, ensuring no direct impact on the country’s coastline.
IMD has issued warnings for gale winds of 80-90 kmph, gusting to 100 kmph, over the westcentral and northwest Arabian Sea, expected to reduce to squally winds of 45-55 kmph by October 7. Sea conditions will remain high to very rough until then, prompting IMD to advise fishermen to avoid venturing into these areas until the storm subsides.
Also Read: IMD Warns Arunachal of Torrential Rains and Thunderstorms Beginning Monday
Earlier, the Maharashtra government had issued an impact warning for Cyclone Shakti (October 3–7), anticipating heavy to very heavy rainfall in coastal districts like Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg, as well as interior regions like East Vidarbha, Marathwada, and North Konkan. Authorities had urged evacuations and activated disaster protocols. However, IMD clarified that no specific warnings were issued for Maharashtra, as the cyclone is expected to lose intensity and recurve away from India’s coast by October 7.
Weather experts had previously noted a low likelihood of Cyclone Shakti affecting Maharashtra’s coastline, predicting it would weaken into a deep depression as it moves away from land. With the storm now losing steam near Oman, India’s coastal regions can breathe a sigh of relief, though vigilance remains key for maritime activities until the weather stabilizes.
Also Read: Heavy Rains Threaten Odisha Just Ahead of Puja Festivities
