Latest news with #SeismicMonitoringCentre
Express Tribune
03-06-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Karachi hit by yet another mild quake amid series of tremors
Listen to article Fresh tremors were felt in parts of Karachi early Wednesday as the city continues to experience repeated seismic activity, prompting residents in affected areas to flee their homes in fear. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department's (PMD) Seismic Monitoring Centre, the latest quake measured 3.1 on the Richter scale, with a depth of approximately 80 kilometres. The epicentre was located around 10 kilometres east of Malir. The tremors were particularly noticeable in Quaidabad, Shah Latif Colony, and Cattle Colony — neighbourhoods that have reported recurrent seismic jolts since Sunday evening. The ongoing activity has left many residents in a state of heightened anxiety. While no damage or casualties have been reported so far, the persistent tremors have raised concerns among experts and the general public. Read more: Murad calls low-scale tremors 'good thing' after 19 mild quakes jolt Karachi Earlier, the Early Tsunami Warning Centre in Karachi confirmed that a total of 19 mild tremors have been recorded since Sunday night — an unprecedented event in the city's history. The strongest quake registered at 3.6 magnitude, while the weakest was measured at 2.1. Experts attribute the unusual seismic pattern to shifts in tectonic plates beneath the region. The tremors are believed to result from the release of built-up energy due to low-intensity seismic movement underground. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation, while urging the public to remain calm and follow safety guidelines.
Indian Express
03-06-2025
- Indian Express
Over 200 prisoners escape from Pakistan jail during evacuation after earthquake
At least 216 prisoners escaped from a Pakistani jail after chaos erupted during a precautionary evacuation following an earthquake in the region, according to media reports on Tuesday. One inmate was killed, and three paramilitary Frontier Corps personnel and one jail staff were injured in the Monday night incident in Karachi's Malir jail, Geo News reported. According to prison authorities, over 80 prisoners have been recaptured. Karachi has been hit by a series of earthquakes in the last 24 hours. Jail Superintendent Arshad Shah said over 600 prisoners were taken out from their barracks during the tremors. 'Amid the chaos, 216 managed to flee,' the report quoted Shah as saying. He added that over 135 prisoners remain at large, and search efforts are ongoing. Law enforcement authorities have launched a joint operation to track down the remaining escapees. Sindh's Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar termed the incident the 'most serious jailbreak' in recent years, the report said. The minister said that all escaped inmates were identified, and targeted raids were underway at their residences and adjoining areas. He added that an enquiry committee would be formed to investigate the incident. Malir Jail housed over 6,000 inmates at the time of the incident, most of whom were involved in drug-related cases, the report said, quoting prison officials. Karachi has experienced 16 mild earthquakes since Sunday, according to the Seismic Monitoring Centre of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
The Hindu
03-06-2025
- The Hindu
Over 200 prisoners escape from Pakistan jail during evacuation after earthquake
At least 216 prisoners escaped from a Pakistani jail after chaos erupted during a precautionary evacuation following an earthquake in the region, according to media reports on Tuesday (June 3, 2025). One inmate was killed, and three paramilitary Frontier Corps personnel and one jail staff were injured in the Monday (June 2, 2025) night incident in Karachi's Malir jail, Geo News reported. According to prison authorities, over 80 prisoners have been recaptured. Karachi has been hit by a series of earthquakes in the last 24 hours. Jail Superintendent Arshad Shah said over 600 prisoners were taken out from their barracks during the tremors. "Amid the chaos, 216 managed to flee,' the report quoted Shah as saying. He added that over 135 prisoners remain at large, and search efforts are ongoing. Law enforcement authorities have launched a joint operation to track down the remaining escapees. Sindh's Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar termed the incident the "most serious jailbreak" in recent years, the report said. The Minister said that all escaped inmates were identified, and targeted raids were underway at their residences and adjoining areas. He added that an enquiry committee would be formed to investigate the incident. Malir Jail housed over 6,000 inmates at the time of the incident, most of whom were involved in drug-related cases, the report said, quoting prison officials. Karachi has experienced 16 mild earthquakes since Sunday, according to the Seismic Monitoring Centre of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
Express Tribune
02-06-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Minor tremors create panic
A series of mild earthquakes rattled Karachi on Sunday, with the strongest tremor recorded at 3.6 magnitude on the Richter scale. People in affected areas cited at least six aftershocks following the mild shaker on Sunday. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department's Seismic Monitoring Centre, the epicenter was near Quaidabad, and the quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres at 5:33pm on Sunday. This marks the second tremor in Karachi this year, following a 4.7 magnitude quake on March 31. Later at night, aftershocks were felt across several neighbourhoods, including Malir, Landhi, Shah Faisal Colony, Korangi, and Jafar Tayyar Society. The second tremor, recorded at 1:03am, had a magnitude of 3.2 with a depth of 12 kilometres, and its epicenter was near Gadap Town. A third round of tremors was reported in areas such as Quaidabad and Malir. The repeated shocks sent residents fleeing their homes, reciting prayers such as the Kalima and Durood Sharif, and staying outdoors in fear. Some homes reportedly suffered minor structural damage, including cracks in walls. No injuries or major damage were reported, but fear and uncertainty spread across the city. Many people said they rushed out of their homes when the beds started shaking and windows rattling. Adding fuel to the fire, so called experts took to the social media with details of fault lines of the city and chances of a big earthquake. One social media influencer went as far as claiming that excess drawing of groundwater has caused the fault lines to move and Malir and the city was about to experience a huge earthquake. The fact remains that Karachi lies 150km away from the junction of three tectonic plates in the sea making it vulnerable to an earthquake and tsunami. Expert insight Associate Professor and Geologist at the University of Karachi Dr Adnan Khan told Express Tribune that these tremors were minor and not a cause for alarm. He explained that Karachi lies on a passive margin, far from any major fault lines, which makes large, destructive earthquakes highly unlikely. "These tremors are classified as 'mild tremors', resulting from minor tectonic movements and stress build-up deep in the Earth's crust," Dr Khan said. He added that Himalayan tectonic activity, which shifts the mountain range northward by four to five cm each year, causes distant pressure that can trigger such minor events. He also noted that human activities, such as industrial waste burning and excessive groundwater extraction, can subtly alter the Earth's structure, potentially influencing seismic behaviour. Dr Khan advised citizens to remain calm during mild tremors and to follow standard precautions - to leave buildings immediately and move to open areas, staying away from foundations or tall structures. Official response Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi urged residents to stay calm and not believe in rumours circulating on social media. He confirmed that he had consulted Chief Meteorologist Ameer Haider Laghari, who assured him the tremors were not dangerous, although minor activity could continue for the next seven days. He emphasised that earthquakes can not be predicted with certainty. Affected areas included Quaidabad, Malir, Saudabad, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Khokhrapar, Steel Town, Landhi, Korangi, Shah Latif Town and Bhains Colony. Residents reported fleeing their homes during the shocks, engaging in prayer, and staying outdoors until the tremors passed.
