Heavy rainfall with strong windstorms, thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms hit Rawalpindi, Islamabad and adjoining areas on Sunday which has damaged wheat crops, reported 24NewsHD TV Channel.
National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) office has forecast heavy rains and hailstorm in the federal capital and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and AJK.
Due to heavy rain, the water level in Nullah Lai has risen further. The water level reached 5 feet at Kataria and 4 feet at Gowalmandi. The concerned agencies have been directed to ensure safety measures along Nullah Lai. Pre-alert likely to be issued if water level rises above 11 feet at Katarian. District administration issues instructions to institutions to remain alert due to continuous rain. According to Met office, thunderstorm/snowstorm are likely across Azad Kashmir during next 4 to 8 hours. More rain with thunderstorm is expected in Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian Bala, Bagh, Haveli, Sidhnoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur. Heavy rain and hailstorm are also expected at some places.
Earlier, Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted another round of golf ball-sized hailstorms and intense weather across parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and upper Punjab. Over the next 3 to 6 hours, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiat, Chakwal, Attock, and Jhelum are likely to witness thunderstorms, gusty winds, and rainfall, while heavy rain and hail are expected at isolated spots.
Meanwhile, in the next 4 to 8 hours, severe weather is forecast in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sidhnoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur in Azad Kashmir, as well as various districts in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The weather system is also expected to impact Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Battagram, Buner, Swabi, and Malakand, with a risk of hail and heavy downpour.
The Met Office has warned of possible landslides and flash flooding in GB, Kashmir, and upper KP, advising travellers to avoid unnecessary movement and exercise caution over the next 24 hours.
It is worth noting that on April 16, Islamabad and surrounding areas experienced a sudden, destructive hailstorm, transforming the capital into a winter-like scene.
The storm pelted the city with golf ball-sized hailstones, damaging vehicles, homes, and solar infrastructure, particularly electric vehicle charging stations. Roads were blanketed in thick white layers of hail, triggering traffic disruptions and emergency response efforts. No casualties have been reported, but authorities remain on high alert as another round of wild weather looms.
Reporter: Rozina Ali