Heavy hailstorm battered Islamabad and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Wednesday, causing significant damage to vehicles, windscreens, and solar panels. The storm also led to flash floods due to the intense rainfall that followed.
The hailstorm, which came with strong winds, hit the region in the afternoon. In Islamabad, the storm lasted for about 35 minutes, with large hailstones smashing vehicle windscreens and causing damage to trees. Several trees were uprooted in the Tarnol area, disrupting traffic flow.
The unexpected storm caught children playing in parks off guard. They quickly ran home in fear as the downpour and hail provided a much-needed break from the intense heat, making the weather more pleasant. However, the storm also caused power outages in several areas, and efforts were made to restore electricity.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a statement in the evening, confirming its preparedness for the flood situation in Landikotal, Mardan, and other districts. The Director General (DG) of PDMA, Asfandyar Khattak, reassured the public that the department was actively managing the situation.
PDMA Takes Action to Address Flood Damages and Rescue Efforts
Under the directives of Relief Minister Haji Nek Muhammad Dawar, the PDMA had requested detailed reports from deputy commissioners across the province. The department was also assessing damages and working to provide compensation.
DG Khattak confirmed he had stayed in contact with local administrations and relevant institutions. A preliminary report on the situation had been submitted to the minister for relief, rehabilitation, and resettlement. The Emergency Response Centre at the PDMA office remains operational 24/7, and citizens can call the toll-free number 1700 for emergencies.
In the meanwhile, Diamer police spokesperson Raja Ashfaq reported that two children were swept away by flash floods in Chilas. One child died while being transported to the hospital. And the other was referred to a hospital in Islamabad for further treatment.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had earlier warned that rain, wind, and thunderstorms would sweep across the northern parts of the country. This including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and other cities, from today until April 20.
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