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Express Tribune
02-07-2025
- Science
- Express Tribune
Water boring heightens seismic threat
Amidst the city's never ending water crisis, underground water boring has emerged as a crucial mode of supplying the survival necessity. However, the popular practice has come under scrutiny as experts debate its correlation with an unprecedented surge in earthquakes hitting Karachi. According to Chief Meteorologist Ameer Haider Laghari, since June 1st, areas in the eastern part of Karachi including Landhi, Malir, Korangi, and Quaidabad, have experienced 57 tremors with magnitudes ranging from 1.5 to 3.8 on the Richter scale. Although these tremors were minor, their frequency has caused significant fear and anxiety among residents. In these areas, underground water extraction through boring has increased significantly over the years as a result of which the land in these areas has reportedly subsided. While there is no scientific evidence directly linking the recent earthquakes and land subsidence to boring and construction activity, it is a hypothesis requiring comprehensive study. Dr Adnan Khan from the Geology Department at the University of Karachi explained that in many areas of Karachi, particularly Landhi, Korangi, and Malir, the lack of a regular water supply system had led residents, industries, and RO plants to rely heavily on underground water extraction. "Land in areas like Landhi, Korangi, Malir, Defence, and North Karachi has subsided by 15 centimeters and is sinking at an annual rate of 1.5 centimeters," revealed Dr Khan. Dr Nauman Ahmed, Professor at the NED University, claimed that although earthquakes occured on a large scale and could not be definitively linked to boring, excessive extraction of underground water was an unnatural process hence areas where boring is prevalent have likely developed weakened underground structures. "As water is extracted from beneath the surface, a void is created, which makes the natural underground position vulnerable, weakening the foundations of houses. These factors increase the risk of structural damage in these areas during earthquakes or otherwise," said Dr Ahmed, who urged the government to conduct a detailed survey of the affected areas, identifying the damage caused by boring, and taking steps to address the situation. "Scientific research suggests that tectonic plate movement at local fault lines is causing land subsidence. However, it is under observation that excessive underground water extraction is occurring in areas like Landhi, Malir, and Korangi, where earthquakes are also being recorded, and the land is sinking. A detailed study is required to determine the exact cause," added Dr Khan. Dr Masood Rafi, Chairman of the Earthquake Engineering Department at NED University, identified two major causes of land subsidence in Karachi: the construction of small and large buildings and the extensive use of underground water. "Due to the water crisis in many areas, residents have resorted to alternative methods, such as boring, to extract underground water. Additionally, reverse osmosis (RO) plants have been established at many locations for drinking water, exacerbating the depletion of underground reserves and creating voids beneath the surface. The weight of newly constructed buildings further increases underground pressure, contributing to land subsidence. Therefore, it is imperative to halt underground water extraction to prevent further damage," opined Dr Rafi. On the other hand, Dr Khan warned that although Karachi's local fault lines were not highly dangerous, the city was at risk from surrounding tectonic plates, especially those in India and Balochistan. "Strong earthquakes in these regions could cause destruction across Karachi, which is part of the Indian tectonic plate. About 110 kilometers west of the city lies a point where three plates: the Indian, Eurasian, and Arabian intersect. The Arabian plate subducts beneath the other two from the south. If earthquakes occur in this region, their effects could also impact Karachi," warned Dr Khan.
Express Tribune
23-06-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Four minor tremors felt in city
A sequence of four mild earthquakes was recorded in Karachi on Sunday, causing concern among residents. According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre, three of the tremors were centered in Malir while one originated near DHA. The strongest quake was in Malir, measuring 3.8 on the Richter scale. No casualties or property damage were reported. Officials at the National Tsunami Warning Centre revealed that as many as 55 tremors have been recorded in Karachi and surrounding areas since June 1. Most were of low magnitude, but Sunday's quakes were more prominent and widely felt due to their shallow depth, making their impact more noticeable on the surface. Seismologists suggest the recurring seismic activity is likely due to minor shifts along local fault lines beneath the city. Authorities have launched further geological assessments to monitor and analyze the trend. 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.
Express Tribune
07-06-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Landhi fault line still active; two more tremors recorded
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 (Malir), while the second originated in the Malir district. Earlier last night, residents in Cattle 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.
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
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Karachi hit by 19 mild tremors since Sunday
Listen to article A total of 19 mild earthquake tremors have been recorded since Sunday night, an event unprecedented in Karachi city's history. The Early Tsunami Warning Cell Karachi has released official data, confirming that the strongest earthquake measured 3.6 magnitude, while the weakest was recorded at 2.1 magnitude. Out of these, 11 tremors were recorded in the Malir district, while the remaining were felt in the southwestern part of Korangi and the northeastern areas of DHA. Experts attribute the repeated seismic activity to shifts in underground tectonic layers. These tremors are caused by the release of energy generated by low-level seismic movement beneath the earth's surface. In response, residents in several streets and neighborhoods of Malir and Quaidabad have opted to stay outdoors, setting up temporary shelters and tents in open areas. Women gathered throughout Monday to recite the Holy Quran, praying for safety. Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi urged residents to stay calm and not believe in rumours circulating on social media. Read: Light earthquake jolts Karachi; no damage reported 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 actually 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. Chronological details of the seismic events include: Sunday, 5:33 PM – Magnitude 3.6, depth 10 km, epicenter: Qaidabad Sunday, 10:29 PM – Magnitude 3.2, depth 10 km, epicenter: Qaidabad Sunday, 11:45 PM – Magnitude 3.1, depth 10 km, epicenter: 40 km southeast of Malir Monday, 1:06 AM – Magnitude 3.2, depth 12 km, epicenter: Gadap Town Monday, 11:04 AM – Magnitude 3.2, epicenter: Qaidabad Monday, 12:17 PM – Magnitude 2.2, depth 29 km, epicenter: southeast Malir Monday, 1:11 PM – Magnitude 2.4, depth 188 km, epicenter: 11 km east of Malir Monday, 1:38 PM – Magnitude 2.9, depth 5 km, epicenter: near DHA Monday, 9:49 PM – Magnitude 3.0, depth 13 km, epicenter: 30 km east of DHA 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 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. Meanwhile, at least 216 prisoners escaped from District Malir Jail in Karachi on Monday night after earthquake tremors led to a temporary evacuation of inmates, Jail Superintendent Arshad Shah confirmed early Tuesday. According to Shah, the prisoners exploited the confusion during the evacuation to flee. In response, security forces including police, Rangers, and Frontier Corps (FC) were swiftly deployed to secure the jail and prevent further escapes. Sindh Inspector General Ghulam Nabi Memon reported that 78 of the escapees have been recaptured, while a major search operation is underway to find the remaining fugitives. Security at the facility has since been tightened, with Rangers taking charge of the perimeter and police strengthening security inside the prison.
