Karnataka election: On polling day, rainfall concern looms large in Bengaluru

According to experts, Cyclone Mocha, which is in a depression state, is expected to intensify tomorrow. The India Meteorology Department (IMD) has also predicted isolated storms with light to moderate showers in the noon or evening in Bengaluru till May 12.

Manjuu R, a resident of Mahadevapura said, “I am planning to cast my vote at 8 am because the weather forecast suggests that it might be in the afternoon and evening in the city. Although no showers were recorded in areas like Whitefield in the last two days, I do not want to take a chance.”

According to the IMD, “A low-pressure area formed over Southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining South Andaman Sea on the 8th May 2023. It is likely to intensify into a depression on 9th May over the same region and further into a cyclonic storm over the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas of the east-central Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea on 10th May. It is likely to move initially north-northwestwards till 11th May. Thereafter, it is likely to recurve gradually and move north-northeast wards towards Bangladesh-Myanmar coasts.”

Yashaswini K, a resident of Byatarayanapura said, “I believe it is ideal to cast the vote early in the morning, given the rainfall prediction. There might also be no facility in the polling booth to give any shelter from rains.”

Heavy showers on Monday left several parts of Bengaluru flooded as motorists were seen driving through roads turned into pools in the Basavanagudi, J P Nagar, Giri Nagar, Banashankari, Mysuru Road, and Bannerghatta areas of the city.

The city received 4.5 mm of rain till evening on May 8. On May 5, Bengaluru recorded 40 mm of rain. In comparison, since March 1, the city has recorded a total of 153 mm of rainfall.