In June, Karachi recorded a series of 57 minor earthquake tremors, which posed no significant threat to the city’s safety.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department’s National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC), Islamabad, has confirmed the recent seismic activity being felt in Karachi and surrounding areas.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), 57 low-magnitude tremors were recorded in Karachi. These shakes have ranged from 1 to 3.3 on the Richter scale. The recent swarms attributed to the activation of the Malir Fault Line. This seemingly high frequency reflects a natural release of tectonic stress within the region’s fault system. PMD officials emphasize these tremors are minor and commonplace in active seismic zones. Most of these events have occurred at shallow depths (up to 70km), which is why they were lightly felt in selective parts of the city.
These earthquakes are the result of natural tectonic movements along local fault systems in the region. Karachi lies near the junction of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, where small-scale stress accumulation can occasionally lead to such minor seismic releases. These are considered natural geological phenomena in tectonically active zones and do not indicate an impending major earthquake. Local conditions, including soil type, land reclamation, and unregulated groundwater extraction, may also influence how the shaking is felt at the surface.
At this stage, based on data and patterns observed, no immediate threat of a major earthquake has been identified. However, like all seismically active regions, occasional mild tremors can continue to occur. PMD teams are continuously studying seismic data to ensure any unusual activity is detected in real-time.
The public is strongly advised not to panic. These tremors are not unusual and should not be a cause for fear. We recommend that citizens remain informed through official channels only, and avoid spreading unverified news or rumors that can cause unnecessary alarm.
The PMD urges the public, media, and different institutions to:
Disregard unverified earthquake prediction claims, especially from non-scientific sources.
Avoid sharing or amplifying such claims, as they can cause panic and confusion.
Rely only on information disseminated through official PMD channels.
Authorities reaffirmed that seismic activity is being closely monitored in real time to detect any unusual patterns. Citizens are advised to remain calm, stay informed through verified sources, and practice basic earthquake safety precautions as a general preparedness measure.
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