Windstorm and Rain Lash Multiple Areas of Pakistan
News Desk
Islamabad: A powerful windstorm accompanied by rain swept across several parts of Pakistan on Tuesday afternoon, including the federal capital Islamabad, causing widespread disruption and raising safety concerns among citizens.
In Islamabad, strong winds persisted for several hours, toppling trees and billboards across the city. Motorists sought shelter under bridges to protect their vehicles from an anticipated hailstorm, while motorcyclists took refuge beneath flyovers to shield themselves from the intense gusts.
A family stranded inside a popular shopping mall in Islamabad after completing their Eid ul Adha shopping described the situation as tense.
“There was panic among visitors who were hesitant to leave the mall, fearing that falling trees or billboards might cause accidents on their way home,” they said. “We were also expecting a hailstorm after the windstorm, but thankfully it did not occur,” they added.
Another resident driving through the Blue Area during the storm recalled, “The wind was so strong it shook my car. I had to wait under a flyover until conditions improved.”
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had issued a weather advisory forecasting windstorms and rain-thunderstorms in the upper and central parts of the country from May 27 to 31, with intermittent intervals.
The PMD noted that moist air currents are penetrating these regions continuously, with a westerly wave expected to enter upper parts of the country on May 28.
As a result, windstorms, rain, and isolated heavy falls with possible hailstorms are anticipated in areas including Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Swat, and several districts across Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan.
The advisory warned that windstorms, dust-thunderstorms, hailstorms, and lightning may cause damage to loose structures such as electric poles, trees, vehicles, and solar panels.
Farmers were advised to plan their agricultural activities accordingly, while the general public, travelers, and tourists were urged to exercise caution during this period.
PMD has also directed all relevant authorities to remain on high alert and take necessary preventive measures to avoid untoward incidents.
For the latest weather updates, citizens are advised to visit the official PMD website: www.pmd.gov.pk.
Windstorm Topples Tower, No Casualties Reported
A strong windstorm caused the collapse of a tower near Saddo Saam Chowk in Multan on Tuesday, according to Rescue 1122 officials.
The control room received an emergency call reporting the incident, prompting the immediate dispatch of rescue teams from the nearest station. Eyewitnesses confirmed that the tower fell directly onto the road due to high-speed winds.
The collapse blocked Saddo Saam Railway Road; however, no injuries or casualties were reported. Local police are present at the site, and rescue personnel are currently clearing the debris to reopen the road.
