Heavy rains, hailstorm and windstorm lash Islamabad, KP areas

WEB DESK: As predicted by the Met Office, the federal capital and surrounding areas experienced unusual weather patterns on Saturday as thunderstorms and heavy rainfall created night-like darkness during daytime hours across multiple sectors in Islamabad. With several feeders tripped, IESCO is currently working to restore electricity as well.

Residents who have faced the perils of hailstorm in April are worried about their houses and cars but it is being reported that the size of hailstone is smaller compared to the last time.

The weather change disrupted normal life, with power outages reported in several Islamabad localities due to strong winds. Similar conditions prevailed in neighbouring Rawalpindi, where thunderclaps accompanied the downpour.

“Many bikers fell because of the gusty winds, while chairs and tables of eateries also blew away due to the force,” said Farah Mahjabeen of Hum News. She added that the green belts have also been ripped off while sheds placed by the residents were also shaking.

Several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also experienced heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms. In Haripur and Khanpur area, residents reported intense downpours with gusty winds, while Abbottabad received continuous rainfall throughout the day. The Lower Dir and Buner regions witnessed thunderstorms with lightning strikes.

Neighboring Swabi district and its surrounding areas also received significant precipitation. In Mansehra, powerful storm winds accompanied the rainfall, causing temporary disruptions in some areas.

Faisalabad also witnessed marginally improved weather conditions as winds brought some respite from the prevailing heat. Temperatures showed a slight decrease compared to previous days, with the mercury expected to reach up to 39°C. The humidity level was recorded at 44 percent, while wind speeds measured 3 kilometers per hour. According to the Met Office, there is a possibility of rainfall in Faisalabad within the next 24 hours, which may further moderate the temperatures.

The provincial meteorological department has predicted similar weather patterns to continue in these regions over the next 24 hours, advising citizens to take necessary precautions.

IESCO feeders trip

Multiple IESCO 11kV feeders have developed faults, disrupting power supply across affected areas. Fallen trees and signage have damaged power lines and poles at various locations. IESCO’s operation and construction teams are actively working to restore electricity, with CEO Muhammad Naeem Khan personally monitoring restoration efforts from the central control room. Consumers are advised to maintain safe distance from power lines, poles, transformers, meters, and other installations. Complaint offices and helpline 118 remain fully operational for outage reporting.

In a related incident during the storm, a tree collapsed at Islamabad’s Aabpara Market while the sheds of Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) canteen got blown off as well.