Islamabad hailstorm causes widespread damage, power outages

Islamabad hailstorm
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WEBDESK: A powerful Islamabad hailstorm hit the twin cities on Saturday, leaving a trail of damage in its wake. The storm brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, and large hailstones, disrupting daily life and raising safety concerns for residents.

The sudden Islamabad hailstorm began in the afternoon, catching many off guard. Within minutes, hail started falling on vehicles and rooftops, causing damage in several parts of the capital. Many residents reported broken car windows, while water quickly flooded major roads, leading to long traffic jams.

At Quaid-i-Azam University, the impact of the Islamabad hailstorm was especially severe. Strong winds and heavy rainfall caused multiple canteen roofs to collapse. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but students and staff were left shaken by the experience.

Social media was flooded with videos showing the intensity of the storm. One clip showed hail the size of golf balls falling on parked cars, shattering windshields. Another video showed metal sheets and signboards being blown away by the fierce wind.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that more rain and thunderstorms are expected over the next 24 hours in Islamabad and surrounding regions. Residents are advised to stay indoors, secure loose objects, and avoid unnecessary travel during stormy weather.

Power outages due to Islamabad hailstorm

This Islamabad hailstorm also led to power outages in several sectors. Multiple IESCO 11kV feeders have developed faults, disrupting power supply across affected areas. Fallen trees and signage have damaged power lines and poles at various locations. IESCO’s operation and construction teams are actively working to restore electricity, with CEO Muhammad Naeem Khan personally monitoring restoration efforts from the central control room.

With climate change making weather more unpredictable, experts stress the importance of stronger infrastructure and better emergency planning. The recent Islamabad hailstorm has once again exposed vulnerabilities in urban systems that need urgent attention.

As citizens recover from the storm’s aftermath, officials urge everyone to remain alert, follow weather advisories, and report any emergencies to relevant authorities.

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