1. Strongest quake: Magnitude-6.3 hits eastern Hualien.
2. Activity starts: Magnitude-5.5 tremor felt in Taipei at 5:08 pm local time.
3. Central Weather Administration monitors seismic events overnight.
New Delhi, April 24: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised warnings of heatwaves and severe heatwaves in various regions, including West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Konkan, parts of Karnataka, and Telangana.
Additionally, Maharashtra’s Thane and Raigad districts, along with parts of Mumbai, are forecasted to experience heatwave conditions from April 27 to 29.
Election Commission’s Response
Reacting to the IMD’s forecasts, the Election Commission of India (ECI) stated that there are no major concerns regarding the heatwave for the second phase of polling scheduled for April 26. However, amidst the heatwave alerts, relief is expected in the Northeastern states as Arunachal Pradesh is likely to experience heavy rainfall.
Northeastern Rainfall Forecast
The Northeastern states, including Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall or snowfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, as per the IMD’s predictions.
Also Read: Phase 2 of Lok Sabha Election 2024: Voting Date, Complete Schedule, and Seat Allocation
Northwest India Weather Outlook
In the Northwestern region, Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh are expected to observe light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning, while Punjab and Haryana may witness hailstorms on Friday and Saturday.
South India Heatwave Conditions
Heatwave conditions have persisted in Odisha and parts of West Bengal since mid-April, with temperatures soaring between 40 and 42 degrees Celsius. Severe heatwave conditions were observed in isolated pockets in the region on Tuesday.
Temperature Fluctuations in Delhi
Parts of Delhi experienced a significant drop in temperature on Tuesday evening following rainfall, although temperatures are expected to rise again starting Wednesday, according to IMD predictions.
Election Commission’s Assurance
The Election Commission Of India (ECI) assured that there is “no major concern” regarding the heatwave for the second phase of polling. The phase covers 89 constituencies across 13 states and union territories.
