Karachi hits 27 tremors in 4 days as 7 more felt
A series of mild tremors continued to shake parts of Karachi for the fourth consecutive day on Wednesday, with seismic activity traced to the reactivation of the Landhi fault line, according to officials.
Data released by the National Tsunami Center of the meteorological department revealed that 27 earthquakes had been recorded across five locations in the city since Sunday.
Though the quakes were of light to moderate intensity on the Richter scale, their shallow depth caused them to be widely felt by residents in several areas.
Malir experienced the highest number of tremors, with 11 incidents reported, followed by 11 in Defence Housing Authority (DHA). Three were recorded in Qaidabad, while Korangi and Gadap reported one tremor each.
Read more: Geologist claims he predicted Karachi earthquakes four days in advance
Officials at the National Tsunami Center attributed the seismic activity to the reactivation of the Landhi fault line, a dormant geological structure underlying parts of the city.
Tsunami Center Director Amir Haider Laghari said the tremors were the result of underground energy being gradually released along the fault line.
'This slow discharge of energy is a natural process and helps reduce the likelihood of a major earthquake,' he said, noting that the Landhi fault line had become active after remaining dormant for decades. He added that the shallow depth of the tremors was responsible for the strong vibrations felt at the surface.
Providing broader context, Dr Adnan Khan, Associate Professor and Geologist at the University of Karachi, told Express Tribune that these were minor tremors and not a cause for alarm.
He explained that Karachi is situated on a passive tectonic margin, far from any major fault line, making large, destructive earthquakes highly unlikely in the region.
'These tremors are classified as mild, resulting from minor tectonic movements and stress accumulation deep within the Earth's crust,' Dr Khan stated.
He also linked these movements indirectly to Himalayan tectonic activity, where the northward shift of the mountain range—by 4 to 5 cm annually—can generate distant tectonic pressures, occasionally manifesting as low-intensity quakes even in far-off areas like Karachi.
Also read: Murad calls low-scale tremors 'good thing' after 19 mild quakes jolt Karachi
Dr Khan further pointed to human factors that may play a subtle role in altering subterranean stability, including industrial waste incineration and excessive groundwater extraction, both of which can influence local seismic behavior over time.
While no loss of life or property damage has been reported so far, experts have warned that the tremors may persist for several more days. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have advised the public to remain alert and follow safety precautions.
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