A violent storm system that swept through Islamabad and several northern regions of Pakistan on Thursday (May 1) has claimed the lives of six individuals, including a child.
The severe weather event brought torrential rain, strong winds, and hail, wreaking havoc in multiple cities and leaving a trail of destruction. Several people have been injured, and critical infrastructure has been severely affected by the storm’s ferocity.
Storm’s Path of Destruction
The storm, which started on Thursday, engulfed Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Haripur, Abbottabad, Chakwal, and nearby areas, with intense winds and rainfall bringing a dramatic change in the weather. According to reports, dark clouds cast a shadow over the region, with stormy winds causing traffic disruptions, power outages, and property damage. In Islamabad, the storm’s power caused significant disruptions across the capital city.
A police officer in Islamabad was injured when a tree fell during the storm, while two laborers tragically lost their lives when the roof of an under-construction house collapsed in Sector G-12. The sudden collapse of structures due to the high winds and rain was also reported in several other areas. In Rawalpindi, the storm led to the temporary closure of business centers, hotels, and restaurants as strong winds and rain battered the city. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported in the region at the time.
Tragic Accidents amid the chaos
The storm also triggered a series of tragic accidents. In Murree, Galiyat, and Abbottabad, heavy rain and hailstorms left many stranded, and a tragic boating incident occurred at Khanpur Dam. A family visiting from Peshawar was caught off guard by strong winds that capsized their boat. Six people fell into the water, with five rescued by emergency teams. Sadly, one individual remains unaccounted for.
In Haripur, a child lost their life, and two others were critically injured when a wall collapsed due to the force of the storm. In Islamgarh, Mirpur, a young man was killed by a lightning strike, while two individuals, including a woman, were injured in Pind Dadan Khan’s Khair Shah neighborhood when their roof collapsed.
Widespread Disruption and Weather Warnings
The storm system’s impact stretched far beyond human casualties. In Azad Kashmir, lightning caused significant damage, including the death of a goat and destruction of electrical appliances in local shops. In Chakwal, the high winds uprooted trees, damaged power lines, and caused widespread outages. According to an Islamabad Electric Supply Company spokesperson, power has been restored in approximately 80% of the affected areas.
Local authorities have issued warnings about the continuing unstable weather conditions, urging residents to take precautions as similar weather patterns are expected in the coming days. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing in affected regions.
Regional Impact and Meteorological Forecast
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported that the storm was part of a broader weather pattern affecting much of northern Pakistan. Wind speeds recorded at various locations reached up to 128 km/h, with severe gusts uprooting trees and damaging infrastructure. The storm brought an abrupt end to a heatwave that had gripped the region for over a week, cooling temperatures from a scorching 36°C to a more manageable 26°C.
The PMD has forecast more rain and thunderstorms across the country, particularly in Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Heavy rain, hail, and gusty winds are expected to continue, with the possibility of isolated heavy downpours. The weather office also cautioned that these storms could damage loose structures like electric poles, trees, and vehicles.
Preparedness Measures in Rawalpindi and Islamabad
In anticipation of further weather disruptions, the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) in Rawalpindi has declared a rain emergency. Teams have been deployed around Leh Nullah and other low-lying areas to prevent waterlogging. The local government has also divided the city into sectors to better manage response efforts.
As Pakistan continues to cope with the aftermath of Thursday’s powerful storm, authorities are urging residents to stay alert and take necessary precautions against further inclement weather. The storm’s impact has been felt across multiple regions, leaving a lasting effect on both the environment and the daily lives of those caught in its path. Rescue operations and recovery efforts remain underway, with officials working to restore normalcy as quickly as possible.