THIS is with reference to ‘Rann of Kutch faultline poses earthquake risk to Karachi’ (July 25, Metropolitan). At a seminar organised by NED University of Engineering and Technology Dr Zahid Rafi, director, earthquake monitoring, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), warned about the Rann of Kutch fault line and its devastating impact on Badin and Karachi as occurred in 1819 and 1845. He also warned that in future we can expect a big-mega-thrust tsunami from subduction zone.

The city most exposed to earthquake and tsunami is Karachi. It is vulnerable only because of the mushroom growth of highrise buildings and fast depleting mangrove cover.

Unfortunately, the city fathers are indifferent to the unrestrained growth of substandard skyscrapers. These massive structures are not earthquake-proof, and even most essential services such as emergency exit, fire-fighting material/extinguishers, proper sewerage disposal and availability of water have not been provided.

Dr (Prof) Kazi Khadim Hussain is right when he says that “if any emergency arises, these massive structures of iron and steel would literally turn into death traps for their residents”.

I request the Sindh chief minister and Karachi’s mayor to take notice of the warnings issued by the PMD director monitoring the earthquake and appoint some high-powered committee like the commission on water created under the directives of the Supreme Court so as to ensure that all under-construction buildings strictly follow rules.

I also entreat civil society to get up from its slumber before it is too late and create awakening amongst the citizens to be extremely careful in future while investing their hard-earned money in highrise projects.

Umara Altamash
Karachi

Published in Dawn, August 8th, 2017