A powerful hailstorm struck Islamabad and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) yesterday unleashing chaos across the federal capital. The 35-minute storm, accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds, left a trail of destruction, damaging vehicles, solar panels, and vegetation while disrupting power and traffic. The sudden weather event, which broke a spell of intense heat, brought both relief and significant losses to residents.According to Geo.tv, the hailstorm pummelled Islamabad with large hailstones — in many areas the side of golf balls — smashing car windscreens and breaking tree branches. The storm caused widespread traffic disruptions as fallen leaves and debris littered roads. The Express Tribune reported a noticeable drop in temperature, offering temporary respite from the preceding heatwave. However, the cost was steep, with dawn.com noting that the storm triggered flash floods and caused extensive damage to vehicles and infrastructure. ProPakistani.pk highlighted the severity, quoting commuter Aadil Shadman on Margalla Road: “This is the most severe hailstorm I’ve seen in years.”The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had forecasted rain, wind, and thunderstorms for northern Pakistan, including Islamabad and Rawalpindi, from April 16-20, with a prior hailstorm recorded in the capital last April. The storm also impacted the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), with fallen poles and broken wires causing power outages in several areas, as per a utility spokesperson.The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, set to host a Pakistan Super League match between Islamabad United and Multan Sultans, escaped the hail but was affected by rain, leaving the outfield wet, according to CricWick correspondent Abu Bakr Tarrar. The National Disaster Management Authority issued warnings of extreme summer conditions, heatwaves, and wildfire risks in KP, Balochistan, and other regions, signalling ongoing weather challenges.Residents and officials are now assessing the damage as Islamabad recovers from the destructive storm, with social media reflecting both awe and concern over the rare weather event.
