KARACHI: The seismic centre of the Pakistan Meteorological Department reported two more tremors — with their epicentres near Malir — on Thursday, raising the city’s tally of the low-intensity earthquakes to 29 since June 1.

According to the department, the first earthquake of 2.1 magnitude, with its epicenter located 5km south of Malir, originated at a shallow depth of 5km at 2.23pm. The second one located 11km northeast of Malir at a depth of 40km was reported at around 8pm. Its magnitude was 2.0 at the Richter scale — the weakest one since June 1.

Most of the tremors have been reported near Malir. Other areas where the seismic activity has occurred are near Quaidabad, Gadap, DHA City, DHA and Korangi.

The department’s data showed that a total of 10 tremors followed by a dozen were reported on two consecutive days — June 2 and June 3.

According to officials, Karachi has small fault lines in the areas of Korangi and Malir that are causing minor earthquakes in areas close to them. The tremors, all classified as low to moderate in intensity, ranged from 2.0 magnitude to 3.6 on the Richter scale. The strongest tremor, measuring 3.6, was recorded on Sunday.

The department stated the city will face low-intensity quakes for the next couple of days till the seismic activity settles.

Experts have previously pointed out that minor seismic activities ‘preempt’ high-intensity earthquakes by constantly releasing accumulated energy within the tectonic plates.

Published in Dawn, June 6th, 2025