ISLAMABAD: A strong rain and hailstorm struck Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and surrounding areas including Attock on Saturday evening, causing widespread damage and no electricity in many areas. The storm brought intense rainfall, powerful winds, and hail, which damaged trees, rooftops, and power lines across the region.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had earlier issued a warning about potential heavy rain and storms today.
As a result of the severe weather, multiple 11 kV feeders in the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) region either tripped or developed faults. This led to a major power outage in large parts of the twin cities and nearby districts. The damage was worsened by high-speed winds that caused trees and signboards to fall on electric poles and wires, disrupting the power supply further.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning of more rain and potential windstorms in the coming days. Cities such as Sargodha, Faisalabad, Multan, and Dera Ismail Khan are likely to see rainfall. The PMD has also issued warnings of heavy rain and hail in remote areas, which could lead to urban flooding or traffic disruptions in cities.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has also warned that the upcoming monsoon season 2025 is expected to bring above normal rainfall in Pakistan.
No electricity in these areas in Islamabad, Rawalpindi
Several areas in Rawalpindi, such as Airport Housing Society, Spring Apartments, and Satellite Town, are among the worst affected as there is no electricity. Residents in these areas have been facing significant difficulties due to the lack of power, despite the cooler temperatures following the storm.
Muhammad Naeem Jan, Chief Executive of (IESCO), is personally overseeing the power restoration operations from the central control room. He confirmed that both operations and construction teams have been mobilized and are actively working to restore electricity across all affected feeders.
Citizens have been advised to stay away from downed power lines, transformers, poles, and other electrical infrastructure to avoid any danger. IESCO has assured that its complaint centers and helpline number 118 are fully operational and available for reporting any power-related issues.
