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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.
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
05-06-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
27 tremors felt in the city in four days
In the past four days 27 earthquakes were recorded in the city, with the highest number of tremors recorded in Malir and DHA. Mild to moderate intensity earthquakes may continue for few more days. Landhi fault line is stated to be the main reason of earthquakes in the city. The tremors, first felt on Sunday, continued on Wednesday. According to the latest data released by the National Tsunami Centre, 27 earthquakes have been recorded in five different places in the city so far, with the intensity being moderate on the Richter scale. The highest number of earthquakes was recorded in Malir (11), DHA (10), Quaidabad (3), and Korangi and Gadap (1 each). According to Amir Haider Leghari, Director of the National Tsunami Centre, the earthquakes, resulting from the release of energy accumulated in the underground fault line, may continue for some more time. The slow release of energy protects against the risks of major earthquakes.
