Hyderabad: Election officials in Telangana were prepared for the intense heatwave to ensure smooth polling. However, a sudden shift in weather over the past week has caused concern for candidates and voters.
While arrangements like ORS, shade, and drinking water were in place, many are worried about plans for waterproofing. Strong gales could also cause severe damage.
According to weather enthusiast Telangana Weatherman (@balaji25_t), thunderstorms are expected on Sunday and Monday. He tweeted that active storms will occur from May 12 to 15, with intense thunderstorms in many parts of West and Central Telangana.
Recent intense storms have hit areas like Asifabad, Nirmal, and parts of Vikarabad. Thunderstorms in Kamareddy, Sangareddy, Medak, Sircilla, and parts of Karimangar brought heavy rain in the afternoon. More storms were reported in Wyra, Khammam, with additional rain expected at night in Bhupalapally, Mulugu, and Bhadradri Kothagudem districts.
G Niranjan TPCC senior vice-president & chairman of the Election Commission Coordination committee wrote to Chief Electoral Officer Vikasraj about the impact of heavy rain and storms on the transportation of polling personnel and materials. He requested the CEO to alert police and disaster management personnel to ensure safe passage and prevent rainwater from entering polling stations.
Niranjan emphasized the need for war footing steps to avoid inconvenience to polling personnel, voters, and ensure the safety of EVMs during the sudden climate change.
