On Wednesday, a massive hailstorm struck Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, and northern regions, causing severe damage. The storm brought strong winds, heavy rainfall, and flash floods, severely affecting the city.
Large hailstones hit Islamabad and Rawalpindi, damaging vehicles and uprooting trees. The storm disrupted traffic flow and caused significant infrastructure damage. Additionally, residential areas faced broken window panes, further disrupting daily life.
The unexpected storm also damaged solar panels, with many vehicle windows shattered by the large hailstones. In addition, the storm caused waterlogging and flooding in several low-lying areas.
Former Federal Minister for Climate Change, Sherry Rehman, reacted on social media. She called it “extreme weather volatility driven by climate change.” She also stated, “Anomalies are increasing due to human actions, such as growing emissions from dirty energy.”
The powerful winds and rain caused widespread power outages across Islamabad and nearby areas. Authorities are working to restore electricity, but damage to the solar infrastructure and electrical grid may delay repairs.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), thunderstorms and rain were expected to affect northern parts of the country from Wednesday. Moreover, the department warned of similar weather conditions in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and surrounding cities from April 18 to 20.
In response to the storm, local authorities are assessing the damage and coordinating relief efforts. The event underscores concerns over the growing impact of climate change on Pakistan’s weather.
