A series of gentle tremors continued to shake up Karachi games for the fourth consecutive day on Wednesday, with a traced seismic activity when reactivating the Landhi Faille line, according to officials.
The data published by the National Tsunami Center of the Meteorological Department revealed that 27 earthquakes had been recorded on five locations in the city since Sunday.
Although earthquakes are light to moderate the intensity on the Richter scale, their shallow depth caused them to feel largely felt by residents in several areas.
Malir has experienced the greatest number of tremors, with 11 reported incidents, followed by 11 at Defense Housing Authority (DHA). Three were recorded in Qaidabad, while Korangi and GaDap each reported a tremor.
Learn more: The geologist claims to have predicted Karachi’s earthquakes four days in advance
The officials of the National Tsunami Center attributed the seismic activity to the reactivation of the Landhi Faille line, a dormant geological structure underlying the parts of the city.
Tsunami Center director Amir Haider Laghari said the tremors were the result of the underground energy that was gradually released along the fault line.
“This slow energy discharge is a natural process and helps reduce the probability of a major earthquake,” he said, noting that the Landhi Faille line had become active after being dormant for decades. He added that the shallow depth of the tremors was responsible for strong vibrations felt on the surface.
Offering a wider context, Dr. Adnan Khan, associate professor and geologist at the University of Karachi, said EXPRESSION that these are minor tremors and not a cause of alarm.
He explained that Karachi is located on a passive tectonic margin, far from any major flaw line, which makes large earthquakes very improbable in the region.
“These tremors are classified as light, resulting from minor tectonic movements and the accumulation of stress in the depths of the earth’s crust,” said Dr. Khan.
He also linked these movements indirectly to the Himalayan tectonic activity, where the gap towards the north of the mountain chain – from 4 to 5 cm per year – can generate distant tectonic pressures, sometimes manifesting itself like earthquakes of low intensity even in distant areas like Karachi.
Also read: Murad calls the “good thing” of small scale tremors after 19 light earthquakes Karachi
Dr. Khan also highlighted human factors that can play a subtle role in the modification of underground stability, in particular the incineration of industrial waste and excessive extraction of groundwater, which can both influence local seismic behavior over time.
Although no loss of life or material damage has been reported so far, experts have warned that the tremors can persist for several days. The authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and advised the public to remain alert and follow the security precautions.
