35-minute extreme weather event devastates Tarnol area, causes power outages, damages infrastructure, and highlights rising climate risks
A fierce hailstorm lashed Islamabad and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Wednesday afternoon, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The 35-minute storm, marked by heavy rainfall, strong winds, and massive hailstones, severely impacted infrastructure and vehicle owners, particularly in the Tarnol area.
Windscreens were shattered, solar panels smashed, and roads blocked by uprooted trees. In a scene of chaos, children in public parks scrambled for shelter as the storm intensified.
Dramatic videos and images of the storm’s impact quickly circulated, capturing the scale of destruction—cars buried under debris, rooftops damaged, and floodwaters rushing through residential streets.
Although the sudden downpour temporarily relieved the city’s heat, it also led to widespread electricity outages. District administration teams were promptly mobilised to restore power and clear debris-laden roads. The Deputy Commissioner’s office confirmed that damage assessments were underway, and traffic movement was being prioritised.
Residents reported uneven impact across the region. “I was on Racecourse Road, Rawalpindi, and there was only rain—no hailstorm,” a local told Dawn.com, indicating the storm’s localised intensity.
Senator Sherry Rehman (PPP) weighed in, linking the violent weather to escalating climate volatility, which she attributed to global carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. “This is another sign of the climate crisis manifesting more frequently and more dangerously,” she emphasised.
In KP, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) activated emergency protocols. DG Asfandyar Khattak assured that preparations for flood management were underway in flood-prone areas like Mardan and Landikotal. The PDMA’s Emergency Response Centre remains on 24/7 alert, and citizens were urged to use the toll-free helpline during emergencies.
Tragedy struck in Chilas, Diamer, where two children were caught in flash floods. One child died en route to the hospital, while the other was referred to Islamabad for advanced treatment.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had earlier forecast storms, wind, and rain for northern regions, with similar weather expected between April 18 and 20.
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) match between Islamabad United and Multan Sultans also felt the impact, though the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium didn’t witness hail. Rain left the pitch and outfield wet, with covers in place, confirmed correspondent Abu Bakr Tarrar from Crickwick.
This extreme weather episode underscores a troubling rise in climate-induced events, spotlighting the urgent need for preparedness and sustainable environmental policy across Pakistan.
