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Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Minor tremors create panic
A series of mild earthquakes rattled Karachi on Sunday, with the strongest tremor recorded at 3.6 magnitude on the Richter scale. People in affected areas cited at least six aftershocks following the mild shaker on Sunday. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department's Seismic Monitoring Centre, the epicenter was near Quaidabad, and the quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres at 5:33pm on Sunday. This marks the second tremor in Karachi this year, following a 4.7 magnitude quake on March 31. Later at night, aftershocks were felt across several neighbourhoods, including Malir, Landhi, Shah Faisal Colony, Korangi, and Jafar Tayyar Society. The second tremor, recorded at 1:03am, had a magnitude of 3.2 with a depth of 12 kilometres, and its epicenter was near Gadap Town. A third round of tremors was reported in areas such as Quaidabad and Malir. The repeated shocks sent residents fleeing their homes, reciting prayers such as the Kalima and Durood Sharif, and staying outdoors in fear. Some homes reportedly suffered minor structural damage, including cracks in walls. No injuries or major damage were reported, but fear and uncertainty spread across the city. Many people said they rushed out of their homes when the beds started shaking and windows rattling. Adding fuel to the fire, so called experts took to the social media with details of fault lines of the city and chances of a big earthquake. One social media influencer went as far as claiming that excess drawing of groundwater has caused the fault lines to move and Malir and the city was about to experience a huge earthquake. The fact remains that Karachi lies 150km away from the junction of three tectonic plates in the sea making it vulnerable to an earthquake and tsunami. Expert insight Associate Professor and Geologist at the University of Karachi Dr Adnan Khan told Express Tribune that these tremors were minor and not a cause for alarm. He explained that Karachi lies on a passive margin, far from any major fault lines, which makes large, destructive earthquakes highly unlikely. "These tremors are classified as 'mild tremors', resulting from minor tectonic movements and stress build-up deep in the Earth's crust," Dr Khan said. He added that Himalayan tectonic activity, which shifts the mountain range northward by four to five cm each year, causes distant pressure that can trigger such minor events. He also noted that human activities, such as industrial waste burning and excessive groundwater extraction, can subtly alter the Earth's structure, potentially influencing seismic behaviour. Dr Khan advised citizens to remain calm during mild tremors and to follow standard precautions - to leave buildings immediately and move to open areas, staying away from foundations or tall structures. Official response Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi urged residents to stay calm and not believe in rumours circulating on social media. He confirmed that he had consulted Chief Meteorologist Ameer Haider Laghari, who assured him the tremors were not dangerous, although minor activity could continue for the next seven days. He emphasised that earthquakes can not be predicted with certainty. Affected areas included Quaidabad, Malir, Saudabad, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Khokhrapar, Steel Town, Landhi, Korangi, Shah Latif Town and Bhains Colony. Residents reported fleeing their homes during the shocks, engaging in prayer, and staying outdoors until the tremors passed.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki: Ayesha Singh reveals why she hails Adnan Khan's character as a ‘green flag'
Over the years, television has introduced us to many versions of the male lead—loud, intense, and often caught up in the idea that anger shows depth. In all this noise, 'Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki' brings a welcome shift—not just through its storytelling, but through its lead, Vikrant (played by Adnan Khan). Ayesha Singh, who essays the role of Mannat, reveals why she thinks Adnan's character Vikrant is a rarity in the television landscape —a true green flag in every sense. Talking about Vikrant's character, Ayesha Singh shares, 'In a world of flawed heroes, Vikrant stands out as a true green flag. It's refreshing and honestly quite rare—to see someone like Vikrant in the television landscape. And perhaps that's the magic when women start writing to men. Men in Indian cinema and television have long been sculpted by the male gaze—macho, brooding, emotionally unavailable. But when women take the pen, something radical happens. The hero begins to feel. These men aren't rescuing damsels—they're redefining what strength truly looks like, tearing apart the old blueprint and building something beautifully authentic.' She adds, 'In this show, Vikrant is emotionally available without being overbearing, creating a space where Mannat feels heard, seen, and valued. Vikrant respects boundaries as if they were sacred—never pushing, always understanding. When challenges arise, he doesn't run away—instead, he reflects, takes responsibility, and makes honest amends. With Vikrant, there's an unshakeable sense of emotional safety—the kind that lets you exhale without even realizing you were holding your breath. He's the kind of man who cheers the loudest for your success, lifts you up on your darkest days, and never treats love like a game.' Katha Ankahee's Adnan Khan and Aditi Sharma urge fans not to burst crackers
Express Tribune
04-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Company digging for water finds gas
It was like striking gold when a company prospecting for freshwater spuded a gas reserve. TPL Properties has reported the discovery of a gas pocket while drilling a test well for water exploration in Korangi Creek. FIn a notice submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the company stated that preliminary technical assessments, along with independent evaluations from industry experts, suggest the gas is likely low biogenic methanenaturally produced through the decomposition of organic matter. As the location is not part of a recognized natural gas reservoir, the company noted that the gas pocket is expected to dissipate naturally over time if the fire is allowed to burn. The discovery was made as part of a series of extensive studies conducted in collaboration with leading national and international consulting firms. These studies included geotechnical analyses, soil structure and contamination assessments, electrical resistivity (ER) surveys, a comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), and other baseline evaluations. Following the incident on the night of Friday, March 28, 2025, TPL Properties has taken all necessary measures to manage the situation and has informed the relevant stakeholders accordingly. Large reserves in Korangi Creek Earlier a geologist talking to The Express Tribune had expressed the possibility of large underground gas reserves in the Korangi Creek area, urging the need to extinguish the fire that has been burning for five days and initiate gas exploration activities at the site. Associate Professor at the University of Karachi's Department of Geology, Dr Adnan Khan, told The Express Tribune that 56-year data from wells drilled in the Indus Delta region for oil and gas exploration, points to the potential presence of methane gas at the site where water boring led to gas emission and the outbreak of fire. He added that there is also a possibility of coal deposits at the site.
Express Tribune
03-04-2025
- Science
- Express Tribune
Mysterious Korangi fire remains uncontrolled after six days
A raging fire near Korangi Crossing sends flames soaring into the sky, leaving authorities scrambling to determine the cause. PHOTO: Jalal Qureshi /EXPRESS Listen to article A fire ignited during the excavation of a borehole in Korangi Creek, Karachi, is still burning, six days after the incident. The fire broke out following the drilling of a 1200-foot borehole. Efforts to put out the blaze were halted on Saturday due to the severe heat, making it unsafe to continue the firefighting operation. The authorities have since collected samples of water and sand from the area for chemical analysis, which will help determine the type and size of the gas present in the underground reservoir. On the other hand, a geologist has highlighted the potential for large underground gas reserves in Karachi's Korangi Creek area. Dr. Adnan Khan, Associate Professor at the University of Karachi's Department of Geology, referred to 56 years of data from nearby oil and gas exploration wells, suggesting methane gas and possibly coal deposits in the area. He explained that the fire was triggered by increased temperatures during drilling, which released trapped methane gas, a highly flammable substance. Methane's explosive potential increases when mixed with air, and experts caution that the current gas emissions at the site exceed 15%, requiring urgent precautions. Dr. Khan pointed out that Korangi Creek's 25-million-year-old rocks contain natural water reserves and methane, which, combined with the area's geological features, could indicate significant hydrocarbon reserves. A 2020 Chinese study identified gas and coal layers in Korangi Creek, further supporting the possibility of valuable underground resources. However, the presence of structural traps, faults, and fractures in the area also allowed gas to rise to the surface, causing the fire. He warned that the fire could persist for weeks, posing hazardous risks to the surrounding population due to continuous carbon dioxide emissions.
Express Tribune
03-04-2025
- Science
- Express Tribune
Gas emissions indicative of reserves in Korangi Creek
A geologist has expressed the possibility of large underground gas reserves in the Korangi Creek area, urging the need to extinguish the fire that has been burning for five days and initiate gas exploration activities at the site. Associate Professor at the University of Karachi's Department of Geology, Dr Adnan Khan, told The Express Tribune that 56-year data from wells drilled in the Indus Delta region for oil and gas exploration, points to the potential presence of methane gas at the site where water boring led to gas emission and the outbreak of fire. He added that there is also a possibility of coal deposits at the site. He further stated that the Korangi Creek area has 25 million-year-old layered rocks with natural water reserves beneath them. The drilling aimed to access these underground reserves, but the methane gas trapped within the rocks' fissures was released, causing a fire due to the increased temperature during drilling. The fire has continued to burn due to gas pressure. Methane gas is flammable, with a flash point of -188 degrees Celsius. During the boring at Korangi Creek, the underground temperature rose to 30-40 degrees Celsius, which ignited the methane gas. According to experts, if 5-15% of methane mixes with air, it can become explosive. The current gas emission exceeds 15%, making precautionary measures imperative. Methane gas can form underground through two processes. The first is the biological process, where microorganisms break down organic matter at shallow depths, producing methane gas over millions of years. The second process occurs at greater depths and higher temperatures, where hydrocarbons undergo cracking to form liquid hydrocarbons, which then transform into methane gas. Oil and gas exploration companies have reported potential hydrocarbon reserves in the Korangi Creek area, based on data collected from subsurface rocks. A Chinese study, published in 2020, also identified the presence of gas and coal reserves in the Korangi Creek area, revealing that the area has three layers of rocks where gas reserves can be found. These rocks, known as Myosin, are 20-25 million-years-old and contain underground sweet water reserves and gas deposits. Beneath the Myosin rock layer, lie the Paleocene and Eocene rocks. The older the rocks, the more hydrocarbon reserves they contain. Drilling data from Korangi Creek and the Indus Delta revealed a high percentage of Total Organic Material (TOC), ranging from 3 to 3.5%, with a kerogen type III, indicating the promising possibility of methane gas reserves and coal seams. A Chinese research group's four-year study on the Indus Delta found that oil and gas exploration activities near Karachi's coast were unsuccessful due to the absence of structural traps, which are rocks that prevent hydrocarbons from rising. The research identified structural traps in Korangi Creek, along with faults and fractures, that allow gas to move upward. The recent gas emission in Korangi Creek suggests that the water boring process may have punctured a fracture, releasing trapped gas, which then rose to the surface due to high gas pressure. The increased temperature then ignited the gas, causing the fire. Dr Adnan Khan stated that the authorities need to measure the gas pressure at the site to estimate the reserve, which requires extinguishing the fire with special chemicals and foams. Dr Adnan Khan warned that the fire could continue for several weeks due to its intensity and gas pressure, urging relevant authorities to promptly address the issue. Though Methane dissipates into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide and moisture, the continuous emission of carbon dioxide from the fire poses potential hazardous risks to the surrounding population such as unconsciousness and fatalities.
