Chief Meteorologist Amir Haider Laghari has disclosed that a total of 57 tremors have been recorded in Karachi since June 1. These seismic activities have raised concerns among residents and authorities alike.
According to Laghari, the tremors are being caused by the activation of the Landhi Fault Line, a known seismic zone in the region. He emphasised that it is currently not possible to predict how long this series of earthquakes might continue.
Laghari has revealed that the Landhi Fault Line in Karachi has become intensely active for the first time in over 30 years.
He noted that in 2009, a total of 37 earthquakes were recorded along the Landhi Fault Line over a span of four months. In the current wave, tremors ranging in magnitude from 1.5 to 3.8 have been observed.
Laghari pointed out: “The current seismic activity is significantly different from what was seen in 2009. Over the past 16 years, unregulated and haphazard construction across the city has greatly worsened the situation.”
He emphasised the urgent need for a dedicated building authority to oversee construction in fault line areas to mitigate potential risks.
Highlighting the importance of the recent earthquakes, Laghari said they should be treated as a wake-up call and an opportunity to learn. He suggested that it is possible once these tremors subside, there may be no significant activity along this fault line for many years. However, he warned against complacency.
The chief meteorologist also said: “While activities like excessive extraction of sand, gravel, and groundwater may contribute to seismic instability, they are not the sole cause of these earthquakes.” He concluded by stressing that damage to the ecosystem, in any form, often leads to severe and unusual consequences.
It is worth noting that just last night, at around 3am, residents in Karachi once again felt earthquake tremors, further highlighting the ongoing seismic instability in the city.
Earlier on Monday morning, mild earthquake tremors were felt in parts of Karachi, particularly around the Quaidabad area, according to the Seismological Centre.
The tremors were recorded at 3:14am, with a magnitude of 3.0 on the Richter scale.
