Maharashtra braces for cyclone Shakhti, heavy rain and flood warning issued

Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg are on alert for heavy rain as cyclone ‘Shakhti’ approaches Maharashtra.

Updated on: Oct 4, 2025, 13:07:11 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Cyclone Shakhti is set to impact parts of Maharashtra with high to moderate cyclone warning between October 3 and 7, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said.

Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg are on alert for the rough weather conditions. The wind speed, reaching 45-55 kmph and gusting to 65 kmph, is likely to prevail over the North Maharashtra coast between October 3 and 5.

Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea as high speed winds with very rough sea conditions are expected along the northern Maharashtra coast until October 5

The weathermen also predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in the interior parts of Maharashtra, particularly in East Vidarbha and parts of Marathwada which may cause flooding in the low-lying areas of North Konkan due to intense cloud formation and infiltration of moisture into the atmosphere.

The Maharashtra government has issued instructions for preparation in response to the cyclone 'Shakhti' warning as Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Pune and Ratnagiri are on ‘yellow alert’.

District administrations should activate their disaster management systems, prepare evacuation plans for citizens in coastal and low-lying areas, issue public advisories, advise against sea travel, and maintain safety during heavy rains.

Cyclone Shakhti will be the first cyclonic storm of the post-monsoon season in the Arabian Sea and is packing a wind speed of 100 kmph and gusting, news agency PTI reported, citing officials on Saturday.

Under the influence of the cyclonic storm, sea conditions are likely to be rough to very rough along and off the Gujarat-North Maharashtra coast and the Pakistan coast until Sunday.

The cyclone warning comes less than a week after Maharashtra was lashed by heavy rains with Mumbai, Thane and Raigad put on red alert.

The IMD had earlier said that Maharashtra was braced for above-normal rainfall in October. During a virtual press conference addressed by Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director-general of meteorology, IMD, the department issued its monthly probabilistic forecast for rainfall and temperature in October.

(With agency inputs)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.