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Express Tribune
3 hours 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.
The Hindu
16 hours ago
- Climate
- The Hindu
Karachi city hit with three low intensity earthquakes
Three low-intensity earthquakes hit Karachi city in Pakistan's Sindh province on Monday (June 2, 2025), an official said. No major damage or casualties have been reported so far because of the earthquakes. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) confirmed the first quake of 3.2 magnitude originated near Karachi's Gadap town at 1:05 a.m. on Monday (June 2, 2025). The second earthquake of 3.6 magnitude also originated at the same location on Monday (June 2, 2025) morning, Sarfaraz Khan, a PMD official, said. The third quake of 3.2 magnitude originated at the densely populated Quaidabad area of the city on Monday (June 2, 2025) morning, the official said. Experts said such low-intensity seismic activities pre-empted high-grade earthquakes by releasing accumulated energy within the tectonic plates. Pakistan has five seismic zones as it is located on three major tectonic plates — the Arabian, Euro-Asian and Indian, according to experts.
Business Recorder
18 hours ago
- Climate
- Business Recorder
Karachi shaken by third low-intensity earthquake in 24 hours, residents concerned
A 3.2 magnitude earthquake hit near Quaidabad, Karachi on Monday, the third within 24 hours in the port city. As per the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the originated at 11:04am with depth of 10km. The quake had a latitude of 24.85 North and Longitude of 67.23 East. The tremor in Karachi follows a series of two earthquakes recorded within 24 hours. At 10:29am, a similar quake of 3.2 magnitude originated at Quaidabad. 5.9 magnitude earthquake jolts Islamabad, Punjab, KP This tremor too originated at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres beneath the surface. Moreover, the third tremor occurred near the city's Gaddap Town and was recorded at 1:06am earlier today. It measured 3.2 on the Richter scale and had a depth of 12km. No casualties or property damage were reported so far. from the three earthquakes.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Light earthquake jolts Karachi; no damage reported
Listen to article Light tremors were felt in several parts of Karachi on Sunday evening, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said. The quake struck at approximately 5:30 pm and registered a magnitude of 3.6 on the Richter scale. According to the PMD, the epicentre was located near Quaidabad, at a depth of 10 kilometres. Residents in Malir, Shah Faisal, Landhi, and nearby areas reported feeling the tremors. There were no reports of casualties or damage, officials confirmed. This is not the first seismic activity reported in the city this year. A few months ago, a moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 4.7 struck Karachi and surrounding areas. That quake, recorded by the Earthquake Monitoring Center, had a depth of 19 kilometres, with its epicentre located 75 kilometres north of Karachi.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Hot and humid days ahead for city
The city is expected to experience hot and humid weather over the next three days. On Saturday, Karachi recorded a maximum temperature of 37.1 degrees Celsius, while humidity levels reached 60 per cent during the day. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department's Early Warning Centre, the weather is expected to remain hot and humid over the next three days, with maximum temperatures ranging between 37 and 39 degrees Celsius. Humidity may rise to 70 per cent in the morning and up to 50 per cent in the evening. Meanwhile, Jacobabad remained the hottest location in Sindh on Saturday, recording a peak temperature of 48°C.
