The capital city of Pakistan, Islamabad, experienced a severe hailstorm on Wednesday night, resulting in significant destruction. Heavy rain and large hailstones shattered car windshields, broke house windows, and caused dents to vehicles across various neighborhoods in the city. Several residents shared dramatic footage on social media, capturing the intense downpour and the damage it left behind.
To manage the situation, the Islamabad district administration deployed emergency response teams to drain waterlogged streets and control traffic flow. Reports indicated widespread damage, with countless cars requiring repairs for smashed windshields and mirrors. Local auto workshops were inundated with requests for replacements, with costs ranging between $57 and $135 depending on the vehicle model. Residents like Ahmed Qureshi, whose car was damaged in the storm, lamented the unexpected expenses, which could climb up to $178 when factoring in repainting costs.
One of the iconic locations affected was the Faisal Mosque, where shattered glass from hail-damaged solar panels covered the ground as worshippers continued their evening prayers. Despite the chaos, rescue teams responded promptly, clearing major roads and addressing drainage issues to prevent further disruptions.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecasted more rain with possible thunderstorms in Islamabad and surrounding cities like Rawalpindi and Attock in the days ahead. This event underscores the vulnerabilities cities face amidst changing weather patterns, possibly exacerbated by climate change. Urban planners will likely need to consider more resilient infrastructure to manage such extreme weather in the future.
