KARACHI: Parts of Karachi experienced three more tremors on Tuesday morning, as the city has been shaken by 19 mild earthquakes over the past three days, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) officials said.

Data released by the Early Tsunami Warning Cell suggests an unusual seismic activity that marks a rare episode in the city’s history, raising concerns among residents and officials alike.

The tremors, all classified as low to moderate in intensity, ranged from 2.1 magnitude to 3.6 on the Richter scale. The strongest tremor, measuring 3.6, was recorded on Sunday, while the weakest was of 2.1 magnitude.

The most recent tremor occurred at 11:52am and measured 2.0 on the Richter scale, with its epicentre located 23 kilometres east of Malir, according to the PMD.

The officials said 11 of these seismic events were recorded in Malir district, while others were felt in the southwestern part of Korangi and the northeastern areas of Defence Housing Authority (DHA).

They said that the Early Tsunami Warning Cell continued to monitor seismic activity in the region and was working closely with disaster management authorities to ensure preparedness.

Earlier, Chief Meteorologist Amir Hyder Laghari had said that there was a historical fault line which became active, causing frequent earthquakes in the city.

The fault was releasing its seismic energy, and when it’s spent, the tremors’ magnitude will reduce, he said, adding that the small-scale jolts to end within a week.

‘Small tremors are a good thing’

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah explained the geological context of the repeated tremors.

“I have also studied engineering. These low-scale tremors are actually a good thing. The earth is releasing its energy gradually,” he told reporters.

He said that the gradual release of seismic energy, while unsettling, is preferable to a sudden, large-scale discharge which could result in a catastrophic earthquake.

“Nothing is actually better — but this process saves us from a big disaster,” he said, emphasising the importance of staying calm and vigilant.

Published in Dawn, June 4th, 2025