Cyclone 'Shakti': How Did It Get Its Name And Why It Matters

Cyclone

Shakti, which is currently intensifying over the Arabian Sea and triggering alerts across Maharashtra, carries a name with a clear origin and a regional significance. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been closely monitoring the storm, which has already prompted warnings for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg, as well as heavy rainfall alerts for interior districts like East Vidarbha and Marathwada.

Name and Regional Origin

The cyclone has been named Shakti, a name contributed by Sri Lanka. It follows the naming convention maintained by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Panel on Tropical Cyclones. This panel comprises 13 member countries bordering the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, with each country responsible for suggesting names from pre-approved lists.Check Cyclone Shakti LIVE Updates

IMD’s Role in Naming Storms

The IMD, which functions as the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC) for tropical cyclones in the North Indian Ocean, officially assigns names to storms based on this regional system. The naming helps in quick identification, public communication, and raising awareness about the approaching cyclone.

Why Naming Matters

Naming cyclones is more than a formality. It ensures better coordination among authorities, helps the media convey warnings efficiently, and makes it easier for citizens to track storm developments. With Cyclone Shakti already causing rough sea conditions, strong winds, and heavy rainfall along Maharashtra’s coast, the name acts as a clear alert for residents and authorities to take precautionary measures.Also Read: Severe Cyclone Shakhti in Arabian Sea: 9 Things To Know

Cyclone Shakti’s Current Impact

Maharashtra has placed several coastal and interior districts on moderate to high alert. Winds of 45–55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph, and very rough sea conditions have been reported along the northern coast. The state government has activated disaster management systems, prepared evacuation plans, and urged citizens, especially fishermen and coastal communities, to remain indoors and follow official advisories closely. Interior regions may also face flooding and waterlogging due to heavy rainfall.Cyclone Shakti’s name is a reminder of regional cooperation in monitoring natural disasters, while the storm itself underscores the importance of preparedness. With authorities on high alert and residents urged to stay cautious, the focus remains on safety as the cyclone approaches Maharashtra’s coast.(with inputs from news agnecies)