Twenty-one earthquakes have been recorded in Karachi over the past 48 hours. Experts warn of a potentially larger quake on Friday or Saturday, attributing the tremors to the collision with the Indian Plate.
Pak: Twenty-one minor tremors have been recorded in Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, over the past 48 hours. Scientists and local geologists have warned of a potential larger earthquake on Friday and Saturday. The cause is attributed to the active fault lines in Karachi and the imbalance between the Indian, Eurasian, and Arabian plates. The Sindh government and experts are advising continuous vigilance.
Atmosphere of Panic Among Residents
Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, is experiencing a series of tremors. Twenty-one minor earthquakes, ranging from 2.1 to 3.6 on the Richter scale, have been recorded in the last 48 hours. These continuous tremors have created a climate of fear among residents, with this anxiety also evident on social media.
Possibility of a Major Earthquake on Friday and Saturday
Shahabaz Laghari, CEO of the Pakistan Earthquake and Research Center, warned that Friday and Saturday nights are crucial for Karachi residents. He claimed his team had predicted these earthquakes, stating that a series of small tremors often precedes a larger earthquake.
Strongest Tremor Measured at 3.6 on the Richter Scale
The most powerful tremor, recorded on Sunday night at 3.6 magnitude, caused a wall to collapse at Malir Jail, resulting in the escape of approximately 216 prisoners. This incident highlighted not only the severity of the natural disaster but also raised questions about security arrangements.
Risk Associated with Fault Lines and Plate Imbalance
Dr. Imran Ahmad Khan, from the Geography Department of Karachi University, believes the imbalance between the Indian, Eurasian, and Arabian tectonic plates is a major cause of these earthquakes. He stated that tremors may continue until equilibrium is restored between the plates. However, he clarified that Karachi's distance from active plate boundaries reduces the likelihood of a very large earthquake.
Active Fault Lines in Karachi Also a Contributing Factor
Shahabaz Laghari explained that small fault lines in areas like Korangi and Malir in Karachi are causing these minor earthquakes. He urged the Sindh government to issue an immediate alert and warn citizens of the potential danger.
Government Agencies' Response: No Need to Panic
Mahar Sahibzada Khan, Director General of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), appealed to the public to remain calm. He stated that this seismic activity should subside within the next two to three days. The city's historical fault lines are slowly releasing energy, reducing the immediate risk of a major earthquake.
CM Murad Ali Shah's Statement
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, who holds a degree in earthquake engineering, stated that minor tremors help regulate larger energy releases. He suggested that gradual energy release from the earth is preferable to a single, large shock. However, he acknowledged that such smaller tremors often precede major earthquakes.
USGS and Indian Center Did Not Record Tremors
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Center for Seismology (NCS) in India have not recorded any earthquakes in or around Karachi since Sunday. This discrepancy has led to differing opinions among experts regarding the presence of significant tectonic activity in Karachi.
