ISLAMABAD: Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, windstorms and hailstorms swept through Islamabad and northern regions of Pakistan on Saturday, bringing welcome relief from scorching heat but also disrupting daily life, damaging infrastructure, and causing power outages across multiple areas.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued an alert urging citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise extreme caution.
The authority warned against seeking shelter under trees, near electricity poles, or in open spaces during storms.
Meanwhile, intermittent rainfall and hailstorms hit various parts of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, including the central Blue Area.
Hailstorm In Islamabad pic.twitter.com/KXP2GjEWXF
— Raja Mohsin Ijaz (@rajamohsinsays) May 24, 2025
Thick clouds and strong winds caused a significant drop in temperature. Severe windstorm and rain also disrupted traffic flow in Rawalpindi. The rooftop of Quaid-e-Azam University’s canteen also collapsed during the storm.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had earlier forecast thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rain and hail for Islamabad and surrounding areas.
In its alert, the PMD warned that rough weather could damage vehicles, and electricity poles, and uproot trees.
The Islamabad Electricity Supply Company (IESCO) reported that scores of power feeders tripped across Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Attock.
In a statement, IESCO said, “Falling sign boards and trees damaged electric poles and wires. The work is in progress to restore electricity supply.”
In Murree, the weather turned cold after heavy rain and storms lashed the region. Overflowing streams inundated roads and disrupted transport.
Electricity supply was suspended, and many tourists were confined to their hotels due to safety concerns.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir also experienced a sharp drop in temperature following a sudden spell of rain and windstorms.
In Muzaffarabad and other towns, dark clouds and rain cooled the weather but also disrupted daily activities.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was severely impacted. Cities such as Peshawar, Nowshera, Charsadda, Swabi, Mardan, Swat, and Mingora experienced strong winds, hailstorms, and heavy rain.
In Swat, overflowing streams led to localised flooding, with water entering homes and shops. Power outages were reported in multiple locations due to damaged infrastructure.
Malakand, Abbottabad, Haripur, and Lower Dir also witnessed similar conditions, with strong winds and heavy downpours affecting normal life.
The NDMA emphasised the need for preparedness and caution, particularly in vulnerable areas, and urged the public to stay informed through official advisories.
In April, at least five people were killed and 19 others injured when a fierce hailstorm battered parts of Islamabad, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
