Karachi:
The port city has experienced an unusual increase in seismic activity with 19 mild earthquakes registered between June 1 and June 3, according to the National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) from Pakistan Meteorological Department.
The strongest shaking took place on Sunday night and measured 3.6 on the Richter scale. Data released by NTWC shows that the earthquake hit at. 17.33 on Sunday and was the most intense of the recent seismic events. The weakest shaking registered in DHA City measured 2.1 in size.
Officials of the Tsunami Center described the situation as unprecedented and said that Karachi has never experienced such a large number of localized tremors within such a short period of time.
“There is no historical precedent for this level of seismic activity in the city,” noted an NTWC official and called the trend “very unusual.”
Of the 19 registered tremors, 11 were centered in District Malir, while others were felt in the southwestern parts of Korangi and the northeastern parts of DHA.
Although smaller, the frequency has stirred fear among humans.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause behind the sudden cluster of shaking, but the surveillance effort has been intensified. Seismologists encourage citizens to remain calm while remaining aware as further assessment continues.
Cm cites concern over pre-shocks
While calling low-scale shaking “a good thing” because of the release of the earth’s energy, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also warned about the possibility of a major earthquake, referring to concern about pre-shock, which often precedes major seismic events.
“I studied earthquake technique a long time ago … These low -scale shakes are actually a good thing – the earth releases its energy,” he added.
Shah, who spoke with journalists after inaugurating a rehabilitation center for children with physical and neuro -development conditions in Karachi, criticized the decision to evacuate prison inmates due to shaking.
