Massive Hailstorm Hits Islamabad

A fierce hailstorm battered Islamabad with massive hailstones measuring 1.2 inches on April 16, 2025. The storm lasted 35 minutes and left a trail of destruction in Islamabad and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Vehicles, solar panels, and buildings suffered extensive damage. Areas near Margalla Hills took the most important hit, and the disaster claimed three lives in Rawalpindi and Gujar Khan.

The storm caused temperatures to plunge from 27°C to 22°C across the capital. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warns residents of Islamabad and nearby areas to expect more rain, wind, and thunderstorms from April 18 to 20. Emergency teams now manage traffic and clear rainwater throughout the city. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority remains on high alert for possible floods in affected districts.

Hailstorm batters Islamabad and Rawalpindi with record intensity

A devastating hailstorm battered Islamabad and Rawalpindi last Wednesday afternoon. Locals called it the worst storm they had seen, with hailstones big enough to break glass and dent metal. The barrage lasted 35 minutes and turned sunny skies into scenes of chaos throughout the federal capital and nearby areas.

Vehicles, homes, and solar panels suffer systemic damage

Hailstones pummeled everything they touched, leaving behind unprecedented destruction. "It felt like a micro-level bombardment on the car. We saw windscreens shattering and the car roof pounding as if it would collapse on us," said Mahnoor Ali from F-11. Islamabad's Blue Area took the hardest hit, where cars parked outside ended up with smashed windscreens, broken side windows, and dented bodies.

Car owners now face hefty repair bills. Ahmed Qureshi, a local resident, estimates his vehicle's repairs will cost about PKR 49,427 (Rs50,000). Mechanic shops in G-6 Markaz saw people rushing to ask about windshield replacements, with prices between PKR 15,828 and PKR 37,487 (Rs16,000 to Rs38,000).

The storm's fury didn't stop at vehicles. Homes and infrastructure took severe hits too. Rooftop solar panels proved especially vulnerable when the storm broke panels and damaged components. Senator Sherry Rehman, who chairs the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change, called the scenes "insane," noting that hail was "coming down like pellets".

Tarnol area saw some of the worst damage. Strong winds knocked down several trees and caused major traffic problems. The heavy rain led to flash floods in low-lying areas of the capital, which needed rescue teams to step in.

Power systems took a beating too. Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) reported outages across the region from fallen poles and broken wires. Many areas lost power including Golra, PHA, Pir Mehr Ali Shah, F-10 Markaz, National Police Foundation, Service Road East, Carriage Factory, Patriata, Upper Topa, Pir Sohawa, Madina Colony, and Airport Society.

Faisal Mosque and public parks among affected landmarks

The storm's attack on Pakistan's iconic Shah Faisal Mosque shocked many. Broken glass windows and doors, damaged roof sections, and hailstones inside the mosque showed its intensity. Social media lit up with pictures showing broken windows, lights, and other glass elements throughout the structure.

Glass fragments scattered across the mosque's central hall became a symbol of the storm's unusual power. This damage to a national landmark caught public attention and highlighted just how severe this weather event was.

The storm caught people in public parks completely off guard. Children playing outside had to run home in fear as large hailstones fell around them. Nobody had time to find proper shelter when the storm hit without warning.

Weather experts say that while hailstorms often come during seasonal changes, this one stood out. Dr. Zaheer Babar from the Met Office blamed climate change: "This is the result of climate change—intense dry periods followed by intense hailstorms and rainfall. This is the new normal".

The latest weather update shows Islamabad enjoyed a brief respite from heat after the storm dropped temperatures. Notwithstanding that, weather reports for Islamabad and Rawalpindi suggest people should stay alert for more unstable weather ahead.

Residents recount terrifying moments during the storm

Terror and disbelief gripped residents of Islamabad and nearby areas as they found themselves caught in Wednesday's devastating hailstorm. People scrambled desperately for shelter while unusually large hailstones rained down with destructive force. The city was completely unprepared.

"This is the most severe hailstorm I've seen in years," said Aadil Shadman, a commuter stranded on Margalla Road. "I pulled over and took cover, but the massive hail cracked the windscreen of my Suzuki APV". A resident of the Diplomatic Enclave, Ahmed Qureshi, explained how repairs to his vehicle's windscreen, windows, and side mirrors would cost approximately PKR 49,427 (Rs50,000).

The violent weather turned ordinary afternoons into moments of crisis throughout the capital. The storm raged relentlessly for about 35 minutes, leaving people with few options except to find whatever protection they could. Many described watching a thick white layer of hail cover roads and parks as surreal.

Children caught in parks flee for safety

The scenes at public recreational areas proved heartbreaking as children enjoying their afternoon activities suddenly faced danger. Kids at parks throughout Islamabad were caught off guard by the sudden barrage of hailstones. Several witnesses saw children running home in visible fear as the hailstorm grew stronger without warning.

"One moment kids were playing cricket, and the next they were scrambling for cover under trees and park shelters," said Yasir Malik, who was near F-9 Park during the storm. The weather forecast had shown little sign of such extreme conditions, leaving families unprepared for this meteorological assault.

Parents described frantic moments as they tried to find and protect their children who were playing outdoors. "My son was at the neighborhood playground when it started," said Nadia Khattak from Sector G-10. "By the time he got home, he was soaked and shaking from both the cold and fear."

Children at smaller neighborhood parks in residential sectors were seen "scrambling for cover as hailstones began to fall, raising concerns over public safety during such abrupt weather events". Many of these spaces lacked adequate shelter, which highlighted infrastructure gaps as extreme weather becomes more common.

Social media floods with videos of shattered windshields

Digital platforms quickly filled with shocking footage of the destruction. "Social media was soon flooded with videos and images of shattered windshields, dented car bodies, and hail-covered streets". These viral visuals showed the true extent of devastation across the twin cities.

A dramatic video showing "dented cars and shattered windscreens" got thousands of shares. People from different sectors of Islamabad shared footage of their damaged vehicles, many with windshields completely destroyed by the barrage of hailstones.

Former climate change minister and PPP Senator Sherry Rehman shared her experience online, calling the scenes "insane" and noting that hail was "coming down like pellets". Her comments linked this extreme weather event to broader climate change issues.

Viral posts showed Islamabad "turned white" by what many called a "rare hailstorm", while some footage portrayed the capital's streets as "disaster zones". These striking images documented the storm's intensity in real-time, far beyond what weather forecasts had suggested.

Mechanic shops in Islamabad's G-6 Markaz soon saw crowds of "concerned citizens asking about the cost of new windshields". Vehicle owners surveyed extensive damage to their property while weather forecasts hint at more unstable conditions ahead. Many residents worry about similar incidents happening again.

The exceptional severity of Wednesday's storm has made many longtime residents deeply concerned about Pakistan's changing weather patterns. Some citizens have even seen these unusual weather events as "divine retribution", showing how unexpected natural disasters can deeply affect communities.

Emergency services respond to chaos across twin cities

Emergency services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi rushed to action after a severe hailstorm hit the twin cities. Weather reports showed good conditions for cleanup work, though meteorologists cautioned about possible weather instability in the region.

District administration deploys drainage and traffic teams

The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration took charge as the hailstorm ended. Officers and teams spread throughout the city to handle the aftermath and check vulnerable areas. The Deputy Commissioner Islamabad directed all Assistant Commissioners to monitor conditions in low-lying and affected areas. They assessed water buildup, cleared blocked roads, and supported drainage operations.

"District administration teams are present on various roads and carrying out drainage work," an official communiqué from the deputy commissioner's office stated. The statement added that teams were evaluating hail damage and documenting reports of broken windows in vehicles and houses across neighborhoods.

Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) teams worked with Assistant Commissioners to provide technical support and help with relief operations. These agencies cleared water from roads and residential zones. Administration teams stayed active in all sectors, including E-11 and other flood-prone areas.

Officials made traffic management a key priority and confirmed that "traffic flow is being ensured with the help of traffic police". This coordinated effort helped reduce congestion after the storm, though several areas saw delays due to debris and water accumulation.

The authorities deployed machinery and equipment to clear blocked routes and restore public movement. Teams used pumps and other resources to drain excess rainwater from main roads and residential areas. Field officers would stay on duty until weather improved, ready to prevent water buildup if more rain fell.

Power outages reported in multiple sectors

The storm caused major damage to electrical infrastructure across the region. Islamabad Electric Supply Company's (IESCO) power distribution system faced disruption from fallen electricity poles and broken wires. A power utility spokesperson said safety faults and tripping stopped supply across many 11kV feeders.

Blackouts spread through large parts of the twin cities. The affected areas included Golra, PHA, Pir Mehr Ali Shah, F-10 Markaz, National Police Foundation, Service Road East, Carriage Factory, Patriata, Upper Topa, Pir Sohawa, Madina Colony, and Airport Society. Other impacted locations were:

• New Race Course, Abu Bakar Shakrial, and Khayaban-e-Sir Syed

• Faizabad and Committee Chowk

• Japan Road, Chontra, and 502 Workshop

• Sukho, Sangjani, and Shah Allah Ditta

• Machine Mohallah, Gujar Khan, Domeli, and COD Kala

IESCO's operations and construction teams moved fast to address these outages. The spokesperson said power returned to most areas "quickly", though some sectors reported outages lasting several hours. Weather reports indicated electrical repairs would continue overnight in some areas.

The downpour caused flash floods in several low-lying parts of the capital, which overwhelmed drainage systems. Emergency response services struggled to manage multiple crises at once. Heavy water flow completely blocked the Karakoram Highway (KKH) in Battagram, making regional transportation difficult.

The authorities promised residents that "rescue and maintenance operations will continue until the situation improves". A dedicated control room was set up for emergency reports, showing the government's commitment to coordinated disaster response as weather conditions worsened near Islamabad.

Flash floods and fatalities raise alarm in surrounding regions

The devastating weather on Wednesday claimed lives and caused extensive damage to property. Areas surrounding the capital faced multiple deaths from buildings that collapsed and flash floods. The extreme weather conditions spread beyond Islamabad, taking lives and overwhelming infrastructure in several nearby districts.

Wall collapses kill three in Rawalpindi and Gujar Khan

The intense hailstorm with heavy rain and strong winds proved fatal for three people in Rawalpindi and Gujar Khan. Two people lost their lives in Sohawa Town, Gujar Khan area when a wall suddenly collapsed on them while they walked through a street. The victims were identified as 30-year-old Amir and 55-year-old Mohammad Yousuf.

The storm's peak intensity turned deadly in Rawalpindi's Ratta Amral area. A mosque wall collapsed and killed 23-year-old Iyaz Khan, who lived in Hazara Colony.

Rescue services feared the situation could be worse in some areas. The storm injured 15 more people in various incidents around Gujar Khan alone. Several roofs caved in and trees fell, leading to more casualties:

• A roof collapse in Sangni area killed 14-year-old Ariba

• Two children died in Changa Bangyal when their roof gave way—8-year-old Zile Hassan and 9-year-old Haider Abbas

• Medical teams rushed two critically injured children to Rawalpindi DHQ hospital—12-year-old Alizeh and 4-year-old Farhan

Weather updates from Islamabad point to unstable conditions that might continue. This raises fears about buildings that could fail in the region.

Two children swept away in Chilas flash flood

A tragic flash flood in Chilas (Diamer District) swept away two young children. Raja Ashfaq, Diamer police spokesperson, confirmed one child died on the way to hospital. The other child needed advanced care and was sent to a hospital in Islamabad.

Heavy rains triggered dangerous floods throughout Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Roads washed away and chaos ensued. Streams and drains overflowed. The flood waters in Landi Kotal grew so strong they carried away a parked vehicle from the main bazaar.

Weather updates from Rawalpindi and Islamabad showed many districts faced similar crises. Flood waters completely blocked the vital Karakoram Highway (KKH) in Battagram, cutting off important transport routes.

The heavy rainfall turned calm streams into dangerous torrents across multiple districts. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority warns that weather near Islamabad remains uncertain, with more rain likely in the coming days.

Recent weather data suggests these extreme events could happen more often. Weather experts have seen similar patterns lately. Another tragic incident occurred in March when freezing rain and unexpected snowfall killed 35 people—including 22 children—in Pakistan's remote areas.

Recent rain-related incidents had already taken lives across the region. A 24-hour period saw three deaths in Bannu and two each in Shangla and Bajaur. A two-day rain spell caused extensive damage in southern KP, including Wana and lower South Waziristan. The floods swept away more than 30 sheep and goats in the Gor Gora area on Friday.

Experts link extreme weather to climate change in Pakistan

Climate scientists warn that the devastating hailstorm in Islamabad shows Pakistan's growing vulnerability to extreme weather events caused by climate change. Pakistan stands as the 8th most vulnerable country to climate change, yet contributes less than one percent to global carbon emissions. The recent weather chaos perfectly demonstrates how climate patterns are changing throughout South Asia.

Meteorologists cite convergence of hot and cold air masses

The Pakistan Meteorological Department links the severe hailstorm to an unusual meeting of contrasting temperature systems. Temperatures in southern Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan reached 45°C, which created perfect conditions for violent weather when they collided with cooler air masses. The extreme temperature difference between northern land masses and the southern ocean has made both summer and winter weather patterns more intense. This has completely changed Pakistan's climate patterns.

Dr. Zaheer Babar from the Met Office put it clearly: "This is the result of climate change—intense dry periods followed by intense hailstorms and rainfall. This is the new normal". Weather experts have noticed winter temperatures rising faster than summer temperatures throughout Pakistan. This threatens Pakistan's water security since about 30% of annual rainfall builds up as glaciers that supply water needs year-round.

Scientists have observed monsoon rainfall becoming heavier as Pakistan gets warmer. Some models suggest climate change could make rainfall 50% more intense. The current Islamabad weather update shows these unpredictable patterns. Forecasts now warn of another intense rain spell between April 18-20.

Sherry Rehman calls it a sign of global inequality

Former climate change minister Sherry Rehman described the hailstorm as "insane." She explained: "This is extreme weather volatility driven by climate change, where anomalies spread. Not a random natural event. And related entirely to human actions like emissions, which are growing because of addiction to dirty energy". Her comments emphasize how climate impacts reflect global inequality.

Pakistan faces what experts call "climate injustice"—suffering severe consequences while bearing minimal responsibility for causing the problem. Climate justice supporters believe these weather events shouldn't be Pakistan's burden alone. International organizations want quick implementation of the Loss and Damage Fund to help climate-vulnerable countries deal with unavoidable impacts they didn't cause.

The Rawalpindi-Islamabad weather update now warns of stronger heatwaves that could increase wildfire risks in mountainous regions. This shows how climate extremes are getting worse at both ends of the temperature spectrum.

Urban infrastructure fails to withstand storm pressure

A severe hailstorm hit Islamabad on Wednesday and exposed major flaws in the city's urban infrastructure. Floodwaters submerged streets and neighborhoods throughout the capital. The latest weather report shows conditions have stabilized temporarily, but the aftermath reveals the city's lack of preparedness for extreme rainfall.

Clogged drains and poor planning worsen waterlogging

Flash floods overwhelmed Islamabad's already strained drainage system and caught many drivers and pedestrians unprepared. The district administration quickly sent teams to clear drains in affected areas. "The damage caused by hail is being estimated. There are reports of broken windows of vehicles and houses in various areas," confirmed the deputy commissioner's office.

Water accumulated faster in low-lying sectors, turning them into temporary lakes. Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) officials stated drainage work would continue until all areas were cleared. This pattern keeps repeating - each major rainfall reveals the same basic flaws in the city's water management system.

The problems run deeper than surface issues. A detailed study identified 39 sub-factors that affect infrastructure development projects in Pakistan. These factors fall into eight main categories, including administrative problems, improper financial plans, and poor corporate governance.

New mega-projects unable to manage runoff

New infrastructure projects failed to handle the storm pressure. Pakistani megaprojects often face cost overruns, delays, and benefit shortfalls. A critical skills shortage contributes to these challenges.

Studies show time and cost overruns rank among Pakistan's biggest financial mismanagement problems. One deputy director involved in infrastructure development admitted, "Shifting of utilities is a dilemma. Unfortunately, we do not have a utility services plan for the cities in the concerned departments".

The weather forecast predicts more rain for the twin cities, raising questions about their infrastructure's ability to handle additional stress. These systemic weaknesses need urgent attention beyond emergency responses, especially given the climate change-induced weather volatility.

Weather update warns of more storms and heatwaves ahead

Islamabad is still recovering from Wednesday's devastating hailstorm, and the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) cautions that the unstable weather isn't over yet. People should get ready for more extreme conditions. Heavy rainfall and intense heat will hit different parts of the country in the coming days.

PMD forecasts another rain spell from April 18 to 20

The PMD predicts a strong weather system will move across the country. Rain, wind, and thunderstorms will sweep through northern regions from April 18 to 20. This system will hit Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and nearby areas hard. People can expect rain-windstorm/thunderstorm with heavy falls and scattered hailstorms in these regions.

The weather will briefly turn hot and dry by Thursday and Friday once this system passes. This break won't last long as another weather system approaches.

The latest weather update suggests April will remain volatile in Islamabad. The next three months look concerning. Cyclones might form in the Arabian Sea during May and June that could affect coastal areas. Summer temperatures across the country will likely climb above normal levels while rainfall stays below average.

Citizens urged to stay alert and follow advisories

These predictions have prompted authorities to issue important warnings. The National Disaster Management Authority warns that intensifying heatwaves could increase wildfire risks in the mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, the Potohar region, Murree, and surrounding areas.

People living in Islamabad and nearby regions should:

• Take extra care while traveling

• Keep vehicles away from open areas when storms are expected

• Watch out for flash floods in local streams and nullahs

Experts now call this weather instability "the new normal" - severe storms and rainfall follow intense dry periods. The latest weather update for Rawalpindi-Islamabad stresses the need for continued watchfulness as this 13-year-old pattern becomes more common in the region.

How can citizens prepare for future extreme weather events?

Extreme weather events happen more often now, and getting ready ahead of time can substantially reduce losses. The latest hailstorm reminds us that we need to take action before disasters strike to protect our lives and property.

Tips for protecting vehicles and property

You can protect your vehicle from hail damage by keeping an eye on weather forecasts. The Bureau of Meteorology Weather App warns you early about upcoming hazards. Your car stays safest when parked under solid cover like garages or carports.

Special hail covers work well if you don't have covered parking. Auto shops sell these starting at PKR 55,536. Thick blankets secured over your car cost less and work too. Vehicle floor mats can shield windscreens from smaller hailstones in emergencies.

Your home needs properly sealed roofs and windows to stop water leaks. Clean gutters and drainage systems help water flow away from your property. Make sure you secure all outdoor items against strong winds.

Drivers caught in hailstorms should slow down, turn on headlights and carefully head to covered parking. When visibility gets too poor, pull over safely away from trees, power lines, and areas that might flood.

Emergency contact numbers and early warning apps

Pakistani citizens have several official ways to get emergency alerts. The National Disaster Management Authority's official mobile app sends important warnings and advice straight to your phone. You can also download the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert app from Google Play Store or iOS App Store for quick alerts and safety tips.

Call these numbers for help right away:

• Rescue: 1122

• PDMA toll-free helpline: 1700

• Chief Minister Complaint Cell: 091-9222460

• Police Complaint Cell: 8855

First responders want you to unplug electrical appliances during heavy rain to prevent short circuits. Never touch electrical equipment with wet hands. Weather updates for Rawalpindi Islamabad show why you should use different routes to avoid flooded areas.

Final Words

The devastating hailstorm that struck Islamabad has become a defining moment in Pakistan's climate resilience story. Massive 1.2-inch hailstones caused unprecedented damage across the twin cities. They claimed lives and destroyed vehicles, buildings, and infrastructure. Emergency services were quick to respond, yet the storm revealed major weaknesses in urban planning and disaster preparedness.

Climate experts predict these extreme weather events will happen more often. Pakistan faces a harsh reality - while contributing less than 1% to global emissions, it suffers much more from climate change effects. Better early warning systems and resilient infrastructure must become national priorities.

People have a vital part in weather preparedness. They can reduce their risk during severe weather by watching weather updates, securing their property, and following safety guidelines. Community-level disaster response planning helps protect those most at risk.

Weather forecasts for Islamabad point to more unstable conditions ahead. This makes both personal and institutional preparedness urgent. Local authorities should speed up their work to improve drainage systems, update building codes, and create detailed disaster management plans.

This piece was written by Mr. Imran Ahmed Jakhro, a leading expert in Climate Resilience and Early Warning Systems. He has spent over 13 years working on disaster risk reduction programs in Pakistan and the Maldives. To learn more or discuss working together, you can reach Mr. Jakhro at 📧 contact@imranahmed.tech or visit his official website 🌐 www.imranahmed.tech.

Read how local communities contributed to cutting heat wave deaths and how South Asian nations are strengthening their anticipatory systems. For a practical guide on setting early response protocols, see how to build drought triggers for anticipatory action.