A fierce hailstorm struck Pakistan’s capital Islamabad and parts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Wednesday, causing significant damage to vehicles, homes, and infrastructure. Accompanied by strong winds, the storm lasted for about 35 minutes but left a lasting impact.
Widespread Damage to Property and Vehicles
The hail came down with such force that it shattered car windows and damaged solar panels across various parts of the city. Social media was flooded with videos showing dozens of severely damaged vehicles. Tarnol, one of the worst-hit areas, witnessed uprooted trees and blocked roads.
Flash Flooding in Low-Lying Areas
Heavy rain led to flash flooding in parts of Islamabad. Rescue teams were quickly dispatched, and the district administration confirmed that drainage work was underway on several roads. Traffic police were deployed to maintain smooth traffic flow.
Authorities Monitoring the Situation
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported flash floods in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and confirmed that emergency teams were fully prepared to manage further disruptions in districts like Landikotal and Mardan.
Extreme Weather Tied to Climate Change
Pakistan Peoples Party Senator and former climate minister Sherry Rehman highlighted the intensity of the storm on social media, calling it “insane.” She emphasized that such extreme weather events are a result of human-induced climate change, not natural randomness.
Today hailstorm at Islamabad. pic.twitter.com/yvTELb7Dt0
— Syed Naseer Ali (@naseervu) April 16, 2025
“This is extreme weather volatility driven by climate change… entirely related to human actions like emissions,” she said in a post on X.
Power Outages and Weather Warnings
While the hailstorm brought a temporary drop in temperature and relief from the ongoing heatwave, several areas experienced power cuts. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued more alerts, predicting further rain, wind, and thunderstorms from April 18 to 20.
Heatwaves and Cyclones Loom Ahead
The National Disaster Management Authority warned of worsening summer conditions ahead, with increased risks of wildfires in hilly areas and the formation of cyclones in the Arabian Sea during May and June. Their forecast also points to above-normal temperatures and below-average rainfall in the coming months.
