IMD issues cyclone alert for Andhra and Odisha coasts (24 Oct)

Gale-force winds expected as system intensifies in Bay of Bengal

The India Meteorological Department forecasts winds reaching 50 to 60 kilometers per hour, gusting to 70 kilometers per hour, over parts of the Bay of Bengal on October 25. By the morning of October 26, gale-force winds of 70 to 80 kilometers per hour, gusting to 90 kilometers per hour, are expected over the west-central and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal and waters around the Andaman Islands from the evening of October 24 to October 26. They are also warned against entering the west-central, northwest, and southwest Bay of Bengal from October 26 to 28. The IMD advised against fishing along the Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coasts from October 27.

Heavy rain alerts issued across Tamil Nadu and Karnataka

The India Meteorological Department has issued heavy rain alerts across 10 states as a Bay of Bengal weather system intensifies. The weather bureau warned of a cyclonic storm by October 26, prompting specific heavy rain alerts for Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

For October 24, the department forecast extremely heavy rainfall in the Nilgiris district, along with heavy to very heavy rainfall in Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Kallakurichi, Tiruvannamalai, Coimbatore, Puducherry, and Karaikal. In the 24 hours prior to October 24, the highest rainfall recorded in Tamil Nadu reached 250 mm at Barliyar in the Nilgiris district. Other significant recordings included 200 mm at Kil Kotagiri Estate, 170 mm at Coonoor AWS and Coonoor PTO, 160 mm at Alagarai Estate, and 150 mm at Mettupalayam in Coimbatore district.

Forecasts for October 25 include isolated extremely heavy rainfall in Theni, Dindigul, and Madurai districts. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruchirappalli, Karur, the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Sivaganga, and Karaikal on the same day.

On October 26, the department predicts isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall in Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, and Pudukkottai districts. Heavy rainfall is also likely in parts of the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Theni, Madurai, Dindigul, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, and Thoothukudi districts.

Chennai residents can expect partly cloudy skies with light to moderate rain and thunderstorms on October 24, with temperatures ranging from 24 to 31 degrees Celsius. Moderate to heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms is forecast for Chennai on October 25, with temperatures reaching 31 to 32 degrees Celsius.

Low-pressure system may intensify into Cyclone Arnab

A low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal may intensify into a system named Cyclone Arnab. The India Meteorological Department has placed the Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coasts on alert as the system develops.

Regional authorities have issued a heavy rain warning for Odisha as the system intensifies. The Federal reported that heavy rain is also likely in Bengal due to this system.

Odisha moves Supreme Court over panchayat elections in Kotia

The Odisha government has moved the Supreme Court to challenge Andhra Pradesh’s decision to hold panchayat elections in the disputed Kotia region. Both states claim jurisdiction over 21 villages located in the Koraput district along their inter-state border.

The Koraput collector filed the petition against the Andhra Pradesh election commissioner, the concerned district collector, and other officials involved in the polling process.

Legal status quo of 21 Kotia villages challenged since 1968

Odisha challenged the claim of Andhra Pradesh over these 21 villages in the Supreme Court in 1968. The court directed both states to maintain the status quo in 2006.

Tensions regarding the region resurfaced in 2021 when Andhra Pradesh conducted panchayat polls in the area. This action led Odisha to file a contempt petition in 2022.

Odisha government alleges violation of Supreme Court order by Andhra

The Andhra Pradesh government issued a notification on October 10 to conduct zilla parishad and panchayat samiti elections in three villages: Phagunasineri, Ganjeipadar, and Phatusineri. Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said that Andhra Pradesh violated the Supreme Court order by notifying these elections.

Minister Suresh Pujari stated, "We will also pray to the Supreme Court to direct the Andhra Pradesh government to refrain from such illegal activities in the future".

Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik wrote to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi regarding the dispute. Patnaik alleged the state government adopted a soft approach to the issue due to the NDA’s dependence on the TDP at the Centre.