The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall across parts of Assam over the next two days, including Monday, the day of vote counting. Despite the weather advisory, polling officials have confirmed their preparedness for the counting process.
Counting Arrangements in Guwahati
In Guwahati, electronic voting machines (EVMs) are securely stored at the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre, where counting will take place indoors. Officials have stated that the counting halls are protected from artificial floods, though they remain vigilant against potential flooding on access routes. A senior district administration official explained, "The counting for all five constituencies in greater Guwahati will occur in three large halls within the trade centre. Once officials enter the halls, there should be no issues. No temporary tents are involved." The strong rooms for these five constituencies are located adjacent to the counting halls.
Urban Flood Concerns
Urban flooding remains a significant concern in Guwahati, where several lives have been lost in past years due to such events.
Weather Warning Details
The Regional Meteorological Centre of the IMD has issued a warning for thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by gusty winds reaching 30 to 40 km/h at isolated places in Assam on both Sunday and the counting day. The Met office on Saturday cautioned that heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at isolated locations across Assam on both days.
For Sunday, the forecast for Guwahati indicates a generally cloudy sky with a few spells of rain or thundershowers. Maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to be around 28 degrees Celsius and 21 degrees Celsius, respectively.
