Mumbai is on high alert as Cyclone Shakti churns in the Arabian Sea, threatening coastal Maharashtra with heavy rainfall and strong winds. While the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts ‘minimal impact’ for Gujarat, authorities in Maharashtra are bracing for potential disruptions, issuing warnings and preparing emergency response teams.
Maharashtra Prepares for Impact
The Maharashtra State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA) has issued a series of directives to coastal districts, including Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and Palghar. These directives include:
- Mobilizing National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams. As of 6:00 AM today, two NDRF teams are stationed in Mumbai, with additional teams on standby in Pune.
- Evacuating vulnerable populations from low-lying areas. So far, approximately 5,000 residents have been moved to temporary shelters in Mumbai and Raigad.
- Closing schools and colleges for the day. The Education Department announced the closure effective immediately, impacting an estimated 2 million students.
- Advising fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea for the next 48 hours. The Coast Guard is actively patrolling the coastline to ensure compliance.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has activated its disaster management control room and is coordinating with various agencies to ensure a swift response to any emergencies. BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal held an emergency meeting last night, emphasizing the need for preparedness and proactive measures. "Our priority is the safety of citizens. We are monitoring the situation closely and are ready to deploy all necessary resources," Chahal stated.
IMD Forecast and Cyclone Trajectory
According to the latest IMD bulletin issued at 8:00 AM today, Cyclone Shakti is currently located approximately 250 kilometers southwest of Mumbai and is moving in a north-north-east direction at a speed of 15 kmph. The cyclone is expected to make landfall near Alibaug, approximately 100 kilometers south of Mumbai, later tonight.
The IMD forecasts:
- Heavy to very heavy rainfall (115.6 mm to 204.4 mm) in Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad districts.
- Gusty winds reaching speeds of 80-90 kmph along the coast.
- A storm surge of up to 1 meter, which could inundate low-lying areas.
While the IMD maintains that Gujarat will experience ‘minimal impact,’ light to moderate rainfall is expected in southern parts of the state. Fishermen in Gujarat have also been advised to avoid the sea.
Impact on Daily Life and Infrastructure
The impending cyclone has already begun to disrupt daily life in Mumbai. Several flights have been delayed or cancelled at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The Central and Western Railways are running local trains with reduced frequency as a precautionary measure.
Several incidents of tree falls have been reported across the city, and the BMC is working to clear the debris. Power outages have also been reported in some areas, and the electricity supply companies are working to restore power.
The state government has set up helplines and is urging citizens to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Real-time updates and safety advisories are being disseminated through social media and local news channels.
As Cyclone Shakti approaches, Maharashtra remains on high alert, hoping that the preparedness measures will mitigate the potential impact of the storm. The next 24 hours are crucial, and authorities are closely monitoring the cyclone's movement and intensity.