Cyclone Shakhti Brews in Arabian Sea: Mumbai Braces for Rain, Not Direct Impact

A new cyclonic storm, named Shakhti, has emerged over the Arabian Sea, capturing the attention of coastal regions, particularly Mumbai. While meteorologists closely monitor its trajectory, initial forecasts suggest that the bustling metropolis will experience moderate rainfall rather than the direct, severe impact often associated with such systems.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued advisories, indicating that Shakhti is likely to intensify further as it moves across the sea.

Originating as a low-pressure area that rapidly intensified into a depression and subsequently a deep depression, Cyclone Shakhti is currently positioned approximately 680 km west-southwest of Mumbai.

The IMD predicts that the system will continue to strengthen into a cyclonic storm and then a severe cyclonic storm. However, a significant piece of relief for Mumbai residents is that the storm's projected path takes it west-northwestwards, away from the Indian coast, towards the Yemen-Oman coast. This trajectory significantly reduces the threat of direct landfall in Maharashtra.

Despite the averted direct hit, authorities in Mumbai are not taking any chances.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other disaster management agencies are on high alert, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams on standby. Precautionary measures are being implemented, especially concerning coastal safety. Fishermen have been strongly advised to avoid venturing into the deep seas of the Arabian Sea until further notice, a standard protocol during cyclonic events to prevent loss of life and property.

The city is expected to witness light to moderate rainfall over the coming days, a direct result of the cyclonic system's presence in the vicinity.

While heavy downpours are not anticipated, the continuous monitoring by IMD and local authorities ensures that any change in the storm's behavior can be swiftly addressed. This proactive approach aims to minimize disruption and ensure public safety.

Comparing Shakhti to previous cyclonic events, such as Cyclone Tej which recently formed in the Arabian Sea and impacted the Yemen coast, provides context.

While the Arabian Sea has seen an increase in cyclonic activity in recent years, the advanced warning systems and coordinated response efforts have proven crucial in mitigating potential damage. For now, Mumbai can breathe a sigh of relief as Cyclone Shakhti appears to be giving the city a wide berth, leaving behind only the promise of some much-needed monsoon showers.