In addition, the natural phenomenon also triggered flash floods following intense rainfall.
Accompanied by strong winds, the hailstorm lashed the region in the afternoon today. In Islamabad, the storm lasted around 35 minutes, with large hailstones smashing vehicle windscreens and damaging tree branches and leaves. Several trees were uprooted in the Tarnol area, disrupting traffic flow.
Also turning the weather pleasant, the downpour and hail brought a much-needed break from the heat in Islamabad. However, power outages were reported in several areas, and efforts to restore electricity were underway.
“The damage caused by hail is being estimated. There are reports of broken windows of vehicles and houses in various areas. Traffic flow is being ensured with the help of traffic police,” said a statement from the deputy commissioner’s office.
District administration teams were present on various roads and carrying out drainage work, the statement claimed, saying that the city’s civic bodies were engaged in draining the water.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in another statement said its Director General (DG) Asfandyar Khattak assured the public that the department was fully prepared to manage the flood situation expected in Landikotal, Mardan, and other districts.
Under special directives from Relief Minister Haji Nek Muhammad Dawar, the PDMA sought detailed reports from deputy commissioners across the province and was taking necessary steps to assess damages and provide compensation.
Meanwhile, Diamer police spokesperson Raja Ashfaq confirmed that two children were swept away by flash floods in Chilas. One child died while being transported to the hospital, and the other was referred to a hospital in Islamabad for further treatment.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had said that rain, wind and thunderstorms were expected to sweep across the northern parts of the country from today, with dust, thunderstorms and rain expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and other cities today and from April 18 to 20.
