A sudden and intense hailstorm battered Islamabad and surrounding areas, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The storm, which struck in the afternoon, brought heavy rainfall, fierce winds, and large hailstones, causing extensive damage to vehicles, solar infrastructure, and residential properties. In just 35 minutes, the capital was transformed into a scene of chaos—shattered windscreens, uprooted trees, and broken solar panels littered the streets.
Solar carports, crucial for charging electric vehicles, bore the brunt of the storm, with panels smashed and frames twisted. The damage has sparked concerns about the vulnerability of green energy infrastructure to extreme weather, especially as the city pushes for more sustainable solutions. Meanwhile, countless cars were left with cracked or shattered windows, and residential areas reported broken windowpanes and fallen tree branches, disrupting traffic and daily life.
The storm caught many off guard, including children playing in parks who scrambled for cover as the hailstones pelted down. While the downpour brought temporary relief from the sweltering heat, turning the weather pleasantly cool, it also triggered power outages across multiple neighborhoods. Authorities are scrambling to restore electricity, but repairs to both the conventional grid and solar installations may take time.
The impact wasn’t limited to Islamabad—parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also faced flash floods following the heavy rainfall. In Chilas, two children were swept away by sudden floods; one tragically died en route to the hospital, while the other was rushed to Islamabad for urgent treatment. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) assured the public that emergency teams were on high alert, monitoring flood risks in Landikotal, Mardan, and other vulnerable districts.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department had earlier predicted rain and thunderstorms across northern regions, including Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with more unsettled weather expected in the coming days. This isn’t the first time the capital has faced such fury—a similar hailstorm struck last April, raising questions about preparedness for extreme weather events.
Amid the disruption, cricket fans were left wondering if the PSL clash between Islamabad United and Multan Sultans at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium would go ahead. Fortunately, the showers were expected to ease before the match, though concerns lingered over waterlogged outfields. Historically, April in Multan is bone-dry, making this rainfall an anomaly—unlike last year’s Champions Trophy, where relentless rain ruined several fixtures.
Also read: Rain, hailstorms bring relief to Islamabad as heatwave scorches
