Minor tremors create panic
A series of mild earthquakes rattled Karachi on Sunday, with the strongest tremor recorded at 3.6 magnitude on the Richter scale.
People in affected areas cited at least six aftershocks following the mild shaker on Sunday.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department's Seismic Monitoring Centre, the epicenter was near Quaidabad, and the quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres at 5:33pm on Sunday. This marks the second tremor in Karachi this year, following a 4.7 magnitude quake on March 31.
Later at night, aftershocks were felt across several neighbourhoods, including Malir, Landhi, Shah Faisal Colony, Korangi, and Jafar Tayyar Society. The second tremor, recorded at 1:03am, had a magnitude of 3.2 with a depth of 12 kilometres, and its epicenter was near Gadap Town.
A third round of tremors was reported in areas such as Quaidabad and Malir.
The repeated shocks sent residents fleeing their homes, reciting prayers such as the Kalima and Durood Sharif, and staying outdoors in fear. Some homes reportedly suffered minor structural damage, including cracks in walls.
No injuries or major damage were reported, but fear and uncertainty spread across the city.
Many people said they rushed out of their homes when the beds started shaking and windows rattling.
Adding fuel to the fire, so called experts took to the social media with details of fault lines of the city and chances of a big earthquake.
One social media influencer went as far as claiming that excess drawing of groundwater has caused the fault lines to move and Malir and the city was about to experience a huge earthquake.
The fact remains that Karachi lies 150km away from the junction of three tectonic plates in the sea making it vulnerable to an earthquake and tsunami.
Expert insight
Associate Professor and Geologist at the University of Karachi Dr Adnan Khan told Express Tribune that these tremors were minor and not a cause for alarm. He explained that Karachi lies on a passive margin, far from any major fault lines, which makes large, destructive earthquakes highly unlikely.
"These tremors are classified as 'mild tremors', resulting from minor tectonic movements and stress build-up deep in the Earth's crust," Dr Khan said. He added that Himalayan tectonic activity, which shifts the mountain range northward by four to five cm each year, causes distant pressure that can trigger such minor events.
He also noted that human activities, such as industrial waste burning and excessive groundwater extraction, can subtly alter the Earth's structure, potentially influencing seismic behaviour.
Dr Khan advised citizens to remain calm during mild tremors and to follow standard precautions - to leave buildings immediately and move to open areas, staying away from foundations or tall structures.
Official response
Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi urged residents to stay calm and not believe in rumours circulating on social media.
He confirmed that he had consulted Chief Meteorologist Ameer Haider Laghari, who assured him the tremors were not dangerous, although minor activity could continue for the next seven days. He emphasised that earthquakes can not be predicted with certainty.
Affected areas included Quaidabad, Malir, Saudabad, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Khokhrapar, Steel Town, Landhi, Korangi, Shah Latif Town and Bhains Colony. Residents reported fleeing their homes during the shocks, engaging in prayer, and staying outdoors until the tremors passed.