The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed on October 4, 2025, that Cyclone Shakhti had intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the northeast Arabian Sea, with its centre approximately 340 km west of Dwarka, Gujarat. Packing wind speeds of around 100 kmph with higher gusts, Shakhti became the first named storm of the 2025 North Indian Ocean cyclone season. The storm's name was suggested by Sri Lanka under the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones naming convention. IMD warned fishermen not to venture into the northwest and northeast Arabian Sea along the Gujarat-north Maharashtra coasts. The storm was forecast to move westward and west-southwestward before eventually weakening off the coast of Oman on October 7, 2025. The cyclone drew attention to the increasing frequency of Arabian Sea cyclonic activity, which scientists link to rising sea-surface temperatures driven by climate change.
Cyclone Shakhti Intensifies Over Arabian Sea, IMD Issues Alert for Gujarat and Maharashtra
Cyclone Shakhti, the first named storm of the 2025 North Indian Ocean season, intensified on October 4 near Dwarka, Gujarat. IMD issued alerts for Gujarat and Maharashtra; the storm dissipated off Oman by October 7.
Key facts
- Cyclone Shakhti was the first named storm of the 2025 North Indian Ocean cyclone season.
- The cyclone intensified on October 4 near Dwarka, Gujarat in the Arabian Sea.
- IMD issued alerts for Gujarat and Maharashtra coastal regions.
- The storm dissipated off the coast of Oman by October 7, 2025.
- IMD is India's national meteorological agency responsible for cyclone tracking and warnings.
- India Meteorological Department uses a seven-stage cyclone classification system.
6-axis classification
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On October 4, 2025, Cyclone Shakhti's centre was located approximately how far from Dwarka, Gujarat?
IMD confirmed on October 4, 2025 that Cyclone Shakhti had intensified into a severe cyclonic storm with its centre approximately 340 km west of Dwarka, Gujarat, with winds around 100 kmph.
Source: Business Standard / IMD / The Watchers
Frequently asked questions
What was Cyclone Shakhti and why was it significant in the context of the 2025 North Indian Ocean cyclone season?
Cyclone Shakhti was the first named storm of the 2025 North Indian Ocean cyclone season. It intensified on October 4 near Dwarka, Gujarat in the Arabian Sea, making it notable as the season's inaugural named cyclone in the region.
Which states were placed on alert due to Cyclone Shakhti and what was the outcome of the storm?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued coastal alerts for Gujarat and Maharashtra due to Cyclone Shakhti. The storm ultimately dissipated off the coast of Oman by October 7, 2025, without making landfall on India's coast.
What is IMD and what role does it play during cyclone events?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is India's national meteorological agency, functioning under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. It is responsible for cyclone tracking, issuing warnings, and coordinating with state governments for disaster preparedness. IMD uses a seven-stage cyclone classification system ranging from depression to super cyclonic storm.
What are the two ocean basins that constitute the North Indian Ocean cyclone zone?
The North Indian Ocean cyclone zone comprises two basins — the Arabian Sea (on India's west coast) and the Bay of Bengal (on India's east coast). Cyclone Shakhti formed in the Arabian Sea, which sees fewer but potentially intense cyclones compared to the Bay of Bengal.
How does IMD name cyclones in the North Indian Ocean region?
Cyclones in the North Indian Ocean are named by IMD following a panel system coordinated with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and member nations of the WMO's Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC) New Delhi. Each member country submits names in advance; IMD assigns them sequentially when a storm reaches cyclone intensity. 'Shakhti' means 'power' in Sanskrit.
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