Islamabad hit by heavy rain and hailstorm

Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, witnessed intense weather activity on [insert date]. Heavy rainfall and a powerful hailstorm lashed several parts of the city. The storm caught residents off guard and caused urban flooding, traffic jams, and delays in air travel, leaving citizens struggling to cope with the sudden shift in weather.

• Islamabad hit by sudden heavy rain and hailstorm

• Streets flooded, traffic disrupted across the capital

• Flights are delayed, and power outages are reported in many areas

• NDMA and rescue teams on alert as weather worsens

• Experts link extreme weather to climate change impacts

Residents of Islamabad woke up to clear skies, but by the afternoon, dark clouds covered the city, and within minutes, heavy rainfall and a hailstorm began. The downpour lasted for nearly two hours, leaving most roads waterlogged and slippery, especially in sectors G-6, G-10, F-7, F-10, and the Blue Area.

“I was heading to the office when the hail started. I had to stop under a bridge to protect my car. The roads were flooded within 20 minutes,” said a commuter near Aabpara Market.

The intensity of the hailstorm surprised many citizens. Large-sized hailstones struck vehicles, rooftops, and open spaces, damaging car windshields, plants, and roadside stalls.

Many people captured videos and photos of the hailstorm and shared them on social media platforms, with hashtags like #IslamabadWeather, #Hailstorm, and #RainInIslamabad trending on Twitter.

The heavy rain and hail also disrupted flight operations at Islamabad International Airport (IIA).

Several inbound and outbound flights faced delays due to poor visibility and technical checks on runways. Passengers were asked to stay in the lounges as airline staff awaited clearance from the control tower.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Rescue 1122 teams were quickly mobilized to deal with the situation. Pumping vehicles were deployed in waterlogged areas, while traffic police assisted in clearing jammed routes.

Spokesperson for NDMA stated:

“We are actively monitoring the situation. Citizens are advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel until the weather stabilizes.”

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had predicted rain for Islamabad but said the intensity exceeded expectations. According to PMD:

• Islamabad received over 90mm of rain in under two hours.

• More rain is expected in the next 24–48 hours.

• Possibility of landslides in Margalla Hills and nearby regions.

They advised residents living near slopes to stay alert and follow safety guidelines.

Experts say the intensification of extreme weather events like this hailstorm is closely linked to global climate change. Sudden temperature drops followed by intense rain and hail are becoming increasingly common in Pakistan.

According to environmentalist Dr. Nabeel:

“This is a pattern we’ve been observing—more frequent and more intense storms. Islamabad's infrastructure isn’t ready to handle this level of unpredictability.”

While the situation created genuine distress, many people turned to humor to lighten the mood. Social media platforms are flooded with memes, especially about:

• The size of hailstones

• Traffic jams in the rain

• Sudden switch from summer to winter-like weather

Still, many expressed frustration at the city’s unpreparedness for such events.

The recent heavy rain and hailstorm in Islamabad is a wake-up call for both authorities and residents. As climate change continues to intensify, such events may become more frequent. Timely action, strong infrastructure, and public awareness are the need of the hour.