Tremors felt in parts of Karachi

NSMC says earthquake struck at depth of 22 kilometres, with its epicentre located 15 kilometres northeast of Karachi

An earthquake of 3.2 magnitude on the Richter scale were felt in various parts of Karachi on Monday, Express News reported.

According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC), the earthquake struck at a depth of 22 kilometres, with its epicentre located 15 kilometres northeast of Karachi. Areas affected included Defence and Clifton, among others.

Witnesses reported that frightened residents recited prayers as they rushed outdoors. No immediate reports of damage or casualties have been received.

Karachi has experienced its third minor earthquake in the past few weeks. On May 2, a 2.3 magnitude earthquake shook parts of the city, including Gadap Town, Kathore, and nearby areas in the Malir district.

Read more: 5.8 magnitude earthquake jolts Islamabad

The epicentre of the quake was 38 kilometres northeast of Malir at a depth of 84 kilometres, according to NSMC.

Similarly, a 3.2 magnitude earthquake shook Karachi's Malir district on April 24.

According to the World Bank, since the earthquake of 2005, seismic risks in Pakistan have only increased. In its Fiscal Disaster Risk Assessment Options for Consideration the World Bank assesses that “if the 2005 earthquake were to occur today, it could cost nearly twice as much — $2.8 billion — in damages to residential properties alone.”