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Express Tribune
7 days ago
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Murad calls low-scale tremors 'good thing' after 19 mild quakes jolt Karachi
Listen to article While calling low-scale tremors 'a good thing' due to the release of the earth's energy, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also warned of the possibility of a major earthquake, citing concerns over pre-shocks that often precede larger seismic events. His statement came as Karachi experienced a total of 19 mild earthquake tremors since Sunday night — an event unprecedented in the city's recent history. Speaking to reporters after inaugurating a rehabilitation centre for children with physical and neurodevelopmental conditions in Karachi, Shah criticised the decision to evacuate inmates from prison due to the tremors. "God forbid, if there is a major earthquake, nothing would be left behind. But these 3.0–3.2 magnitude tremors don't cause such damage to single-storey buildings," he said. Read more: Karachi hit by 19 mild tremors since Sunday 'I studied earthquake engineering long ago… these low-scale tremors are actually a good thing — the earth is releasing its energy,' he added, while responding to reporters' questions about the previous day's jailbreak incident. Shah further explained that if seismic energy is released all at once, it can trigger a major earthquake. 'But if it is released in bits, then it is better — nothing is really good in such a situation — but it helps prevent a large-scale disaster,' he said. He also acknowledged that pre-shocks often precede larger earthquakes, which naturally leads to public anxiety. 'I have spoken to seismologists, and we are following their advice as closely as possible,' he assured. According to the Early Tsunami Warning Centre in Karachi, 19 mild tremors have been officially recorded so far. The strongest measured 3.6 magnitude on the Richter scale, while the weakest was 2.1. Of these, 11 tremors were recorded in the Malir district, while others were felt in the southwestern parts of Korangi and the northeastern areas of DHA. Read more: Geologist claims he predicted Karachi earthquakes four days in advance Experts attributed the unusual seismic activity to shifts in underground tectonic layers. These tremors, they said, result from the gradual release of energy caused by low-level movement beneath the earth's surface. Shahbaz Laghari, CEO of the Earthquake News & Research Centre, claimed that his team had predicted the tremors in Karachi four days in advance. He warned that similar tremors could occur five to ten more times in the coming days. He added that the upcoming nights of Friday and Saturday could be particularly critical, urging the Sindh government to issue precautionary warnings to the public.
Express Tribune
03-06-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Geologist claims he predicted Karachi earthquakes four days in advance
Listen to article A Pakistani geologist says he predicted the Karachi earthquakes well before they occurred. Shahbaz Laghari, CEO of the Earthquake News & Research Centre, has claimed that his team had predicted the recent tremors in Karachi four days in advance, a forecast he says is supported by prior documented evidence. While speaking at a news conference at the National Press Club in Islamabad on Tuesday, Laghari insisted that his earthquake warnings are grounded in scientific research. He further claimed that the proprietary system developed by his centre can issue early warnings up to 128 hours (more than five days) before an earthquake occurs. The geologist further revealed that countries like the UK, Canada, and Bangladesh have invited him to collaborate, recognising the potential of his early-warning technology. He also claimed that his team correctly predicted a series of earthquakes in Greece, and that the Greek government took precautionary measures based on their alerts. However, Laghari expressed frustration over the criticism he faces in Pakistan, saying that some local officials discourage him from issuing early warnings, fearing they may cause public panic. During the press conference, a TV clip of government seismology officer Ameer Haider was played, in which the official advised against creating fear through early alerts. Laghari defended his position, going as far as saying, 'If my system is proven wrong, hang me.' He made a direct appeal to the president, prime minister, and Punjab CM, urging them to recognise his research before the country loses out on an international breakthrough. 'This might be my last press conference,' he warned. He claimed that he has received job offers from abroad, but his ultimate goal is to serve Pakistan. He expressed confidence in his ability to develop world-class instruments and software that could bring global recognition to the country. Laghari also turned his attention to recent seismic activity in Karachi, questioning why the small tremors being felt across the city are being ignored. 'These tremors will occur five to ten more times,' he warned, adding that the nights of Friday and Saturday are particularly critical and the Sindh government should warn the public in advance. Recalling a recent incident, he said that the collapse of the Malir Jail wall was the result of a 10-kilometre-deep earthquake. 'Had the tremor originated from a depth of seven or eight kilometres, the entire prison could have been destroyed,' he said. 'Our research shows that a series of small tremors often signals a major earthquake is on its way,' he added.
