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Express Tribune
23-06-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Quake threat looms as Landhi fault line awakens
People of the densely populated areas of Landhi, Korangi, Quaidabad and Malir are literally shaken by the repeated, though, minor earthquakes. In the past 23 days, the city has experienced a total of 57 earthquakes, with most being minor to mild in intensity. However, some of the tremors have been significant, including one earthquake with a 3.8 magnitude, another with a magnitude of 3.7, and two earthquakes with magnitudes of 3.6. This recent surge in seismic activity has raised concerns among experts. According to the Head of the National Tsunami Centre, Ameer Hyder Laghari, the earthquakes are linked to the Landhi fault line, one of the two active fault lines in the Karachi region. As per Laghari, in 2009, 36 earthquakes were recorded on the Landhi fault line over four months, and the series continued until 2021. The recent series of earthquakes consisted of 57 tremors recorded so far, mostly of low intensity, but four significant quakes with magnitudes between 3.8 and 3.6. The National Tsunami Centre and Meteorological Department have released data showing that most of these quakes were recorded in Malir, Landhi, and the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) areas. According to Laghari, the fault line in Karachi is not a recent development, but has existed for centuries. Earthquakes have been recorded in the 18th and 19th centuries as well, although the intensity was not documented the same way as today, due to the lack of modern equipment. In the past, however, the area along the fault line was covered with forests and gardens, but now has been largely converted into residential areas. Laghari stated that converting past forests and gardens into solid constructions and unplanned human settlements is equivalent to damaging the ecosystem, stressing that it is necessary to encourage earthquake-proof constructions in areas near the fault line, similar to Japan's approach. He pointed out that in Japan, people also live near fault lines, but have designed their buildings to withstand natural disasters. He stressed the need for policies ensuring that constructions near the fault line are earthquake-proof, or built to a standard that can withstand earthquakes. This would require a specific approach to construction, and civil work that prioritises seismic resilience. Laghari mentioned that micro-level studies have been conducted, which recorded the earthquakes on the Richter scale, even if they were not felt by the population, in order to better understand the causes of the recent quakes. He also urged that people be made aware of the earthquake risk, and be guided on safe construction practices, in order to mitigate the associated risks.
India Gazette
08-06-2025
- Climate
- India Gazette
Karachi: 32 mild tremors recorded since June 1, says chief meteorologist
Karachi [Pakistan], June 8 (ANI): The port city has been experiencing a series of mild earthquakes for over a week, with 32 tremors recorded since June 1, Geo News reported, citing Chief Meteorologist Amir Haider Laghari's statement. According to Chief Meteorologist Amir Haider Laghari, the earthquakes had magnitudes ranging from 1.5 to 3.6 on the Richter scale. The most recent tremor, recorded on Friday at 8:32 am, had a magnitude of 1.5. The earthquakes have been reported from various areas, including Quaidabad, Gadap, Malir, DHA, and Korangi. The depth of the tremors varied from 2 km to 188 km, as per Geo News. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has confirmed the tremors, with the first recorded earthquake having a magnitude of 2.7 and a depth of 2 km, centered around 20 km south of the defense area. Meanwhile, the second quake was at a depth of 8km and had an epicentre around 7km northwest of Malir. According to Geo News, explaining the reasons behind such continuous tremors, Laghari had earlier told Geo News that the Landhi Fault Line had become active after several decades and is currently going through a normalisation phase. He had said that mild quakes may continue for up to a week due to the gradual release of energy, which helps prevent a major earthquake. The shallow depth of recent quakes makes them more noticeable. The official advised that buildings on fault lines should withstand tremors up to magnitude 6.0. He also noted that the cracks reported in some houses are likely due to structural issues. Another fault line near Thana Bula Khan is contributing to seismic activity. Notably, Pakistan is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, being crossed by several major faults. As a result, earthquakes in Pakistan often occur and are destructive. Pakistan geologically overlaps both the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates. Balochistan, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan provinces lie on the southern edge of the Eurasian plate on the Iranian Plateau. Sindh, Punjab, and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir provinces lie on the northwestern edge of the Indian plate in South Asia. However, this region is prone to violent earthquakes, as the two tectonic plates collide. (ANI)
Express Tribune
06-06-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Karachi shaken by two more earthquakes as six-day tremor tally hits 32
Listen to article Karachi was shaken again on Friday morning by two earthquakes, bringing the total number of tremors in six days to 32. According to Express News, the first quake's epicentre was in DHA, while the second originated in the Malir district. Earlier last night, residents in Bhains Colony and surrounding areas also felt tremors, causing widespread panic. Many residents rushed out of their homes, reciting the Kalma. Since Sunday, Karachi has witnessed multiple low-intensity earthquakes across various localities, escalating concerns among the populace. The National Tsunami Centre director at the Meteorological Department, Ameer Haider Laghari, has warned that the Landhi fault line is expected to remain active for the coming days. He explained that movements in underground tectonic layers are generating energy gradually being released, resulting in these recurring earthquakes. Earlier, according to the National Tsunami Center (Pakistan Meteorological Department), these tremors are not a warning sign of a major natural disaster, but rather a natural geological process. This activity may help balance the local fault line for years to come. Ameer Haider Laghari, head of the National Tsunami Center, explained that the Quaidabad fault line remains active, and the situation could continue for up to a week. The year's first earthquake in Karachi was recorded on March 31, registering 4.7 magnitude with a depth of 19 kilometers. In contrast, this latest sequence has shown a consistent pattern, specifically in Malir and Quaidabad, where nine low- to moderate-intensity earthquakes occurred within two days. Several parts of the city felt the tremors. In an interview with Express News, Ameer Haider Laghari noted that the quakes stem from natural tectonic shifts, where built-up energy in the earth is gradually released, causing seismic activity. He emphasized that this is a global geological process, occurring in some regions more frequently than others. He recalled similar tremors in northern Pakistan, where activation of a fault line triggered panic in Islamabad and nearby areas for several days. READ MORE: 4.6-magnitude quake jolts northwestern Pakistan Laghari assured that the Karachi earthquakes are low-intensity, and each subsequent tremor has been less intense than the previous one. He also clarified that these are not aftershocks, as such minor quakes don't usually produce aftershocks—they are independent seismic events. He warned that Malir, Quaidabad, and surrounding areas may continue to feel tremors for two more days to a week. Pakistan lies in a shallow earthquake zone, meaning most quakes occur at low depths. He also highlighted other active fault lines in the region, including the Landhi fault line, Thana Bula Khan, and the Western Kirthar Range Plate Foundry Fault Line. As a precaution, he advised that residents of structurally weak buildings should evacuate quickly during tremors. People should avoid standing near walls and instead, seek open spaces for temporary shelter. Providing a 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. READ MORE: 3.6 magnitude quake jolts Quetta 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. 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 the scientific consensus remains that these tremors are harmless, both Laghari and stressed the importance of basic safety awareness. Dr. Khan also advised citizens to remain calm during any such tremor and to immediately move to open areas, staying away from walls, foundations, or tall structures.
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.
Business Recorder
03-06-2025
- Climate
- Business Recorder
Tremors in Karachi cause considerable disruptions
KARACHI: A series of low-magnitude earthquakes shook Karachi on Sunday and Monday, sparking widespread concern among residents in the city's eastern and southeastern districts. The tremors, which occurred in quick succession, led to the evacuation of homes, disruption of industrial activities, and heightened public anxiety across several neighbourhoods. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) recorded six seismic events over the two-day period. The first quake struck on Sunday, June 1, at 5:33 PM with a magnitude of 3.6 and a depth of 10 kilometres, centred near Quaidabad. On Monday, June 2, five additional quakes followed, ranging between magnitudes 2.2 and 3.2. Epicentres were reported near Quaidabad, Gadap Town, and southeast of Malir, with depths varying from 10 to 188 kilometres. Tremors were felt in Landhi, Malir, Shah Faisal Colony, Korangi, Bhains Colony, Shah Latif Town, and surrounding areas. In multiple neighbourhoods, residents fled their homes, some reciting prayers in fear of aftershocks. In Majeed Colony and Muzaffarabad Colony, back-to-back tremors within a 10-minute span led to public announcements from mosques urging calm. In the industrial zone of Landhi, textile and manufacturing units declared emergency leave and suspended operations. Factory owners cited safety concerns amid ongoing seismic activity, advising workers to return home and remain cautious. The decision was praised by civic groups, though it highlighted the deep unease felt throughout the city. Speaking to the media, Chief Meteorologist Karachi, Amir Hyder Laghari offered insight into the nature of the tremors: 'When a local fault becomes seismically active, it releases built-up tectonic stress in the form of frequent, low-magnitude tremors. The more energy it releases over time, the lower the likelihood of larger, sudden earthquakes.' He elaborated on the geological behaviour of Karachi's fault line, stating: 'The fault system in Karachi gradually accumulates energy, and when this energy is released, we observe a series of quakes of varying magnitudes. Typically, minor tremors subside within a couple of days, whereas stronger quakes can take longer to stabilize.' Addressing concerns about potential major quakes, Laghari reassured the public: 'Historically, Karachi's fault line has never produced large-scale earthquakes. The region primarily experiences minor seismic activity due to its strike-slip tectonic setting involving the Indian, Arabian, and Eurasian plates. This configuration generally does not generate destructive quakes in the Karachi region.' However, he warned that areas outside Karachi—particularly along the Makran Subduction Zone in coastal Balochistan—present more serious risks: 'The Balochistan offshore fault lies along the boundary of the Eurasian and Arabian plates and is part of a subduction zone. This geological structure poses a higher risk, including the potential to generate tsunamigenic earthquakes. Since the major Makran earthquake of 1945, no large events have occurred in the region, though its tectonic nature suggests it remains capable of future seismic activity.' In affected localities, such as Khokhrapar, Future Morr, Gul Ahmed, Hospital Chowrangi, and Saudabad, residents are now calling for clearer safety protocols and better early-warning systems. As PMD continues to monitor seismic behaviour, the people of Karachi remain alert, hoping the ground beneath them settles soon. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
