Hailstorm smashes cars in Islamabad, auto repairers brace for a field day

ISLAMABAD: Several sectors of Islamabad saw intense rainfall and hailstorms on Wednesday. Though the rain brought much-needed relief from the increasing heatwave but also caused widespread damage to vehicles and property.

Heavy hailstorm, accompanied by gusty winds, was witnessed across the federal capital, including Sectors E-11, F-6, F-8, G-8, I-9, and adjoining areas. The storm, which swept through parts of Rawalpindi and surrounding areas, significantly brought down temperatures, offering a temporary reprieve from the sweltering conditions earlier in the week.

Also read: Rain and hailstorm hit various areas of Islamabad

But the short-lived weather reprieve came at a high price.  In several places, the hailstorm’s ferocity caused broken automobile windshields, dented roofs, and broken windows in homes.  Videos of golf-ball-sized hailstones hitting houses and cars were posted on social media by several locals.

“My windshield broke due to the hailstorm. This has been one of the most severe storms I’ve witnessed in recent years. The size of the hailstones was unusually large—about the size of a golf ball,” said one resident. Others reported broken skylights, cracked sunroofs, and extensive cosmetic damage to their vehicles.

Fahad Khan, a resident of Sector G-9, said more than ten vehicles in his neighbourhood sustained damage. “All the cars that got damaged were Pakistan-assembled. Interestingly, Japan- and German-made cars in the same area remained mostly unharmed,” he said, reflecting a common sentiment among affected car owners.

Some residents expressed frustration over the apparent fragility of locally assembled vehicles. “My car is a Japanese model but assembled in Pakistan—and the windshield didn’t survive. Meanwhile, my neighbour’s imported German car was perfectly fine,” said another local.

The sudden surge in vehicle damage is expected to drive business for mechanics, denters, and auto glass repair shops, which are likely to see a sharp increase in customer traffic over the coming days.

Emergency services remained on alert throughout the city, although no injuries were reported. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted further chances of rain and thunderstorms in upper and central parts of the country. It has advised citizens to take necessary precautions.

Residents are now hoping the storm was a one-off, though many fear that such extreme weather events could become more frequent with shifting climate patterns.