Karachi Trembles: 3.2 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes City, PMD Confirms No Damage

Residents in various parts of Karachi experienced a brief but noticeable jolt on Monday morning as a 3.2 magnitude earthquake rippled through the city. The tremor, which occurred just before 10 AM, prompted immediate concern among many, though authorities quickly confirmed there were no reports of damage or casualties.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the seismic event was recorded at approximately 9:51 AM.

The department pinpointed the epicentre of the earthquake to an area located 15 kilometres northeast of Karachi, with a relatively shallow depth of 12 kilometres. This proximity to the city's urban core likely contributed to the tremors being distinctly felt by residents.

Areas where the ground shook included densely populated neighbourhoods such as Gulistan-i-Jauhar, Gulshan-i-Iqbal, and Malir Cantt.

Many residents took to social media to share their experiences, describing a sudden shaking that lasted for a few moments, prompting some to step out of their homes as a precautionary measure.

Despite the initial alarm, the PMD's swift confirmation helped to allay fears. Officials reassured the public that due to the low magnitude and relatively minor intensity, no significant impact was anticipated.

This proved to be accurate, as emergency services reported no incidents of structural damage or injuries following the quake.

Karachi, a sprawling metropolis, is situated on an active fault line, making it susceptible to minor seismic activities. Such tremors are not an uncommon occurrence for the city.

Just last year, in December 2023, Karachi also experienced a 3.1 magnitude tremor, and a more substantial 4.7 magnitude earthquake was recorded in 2013. These events serve as a constant reminder of the geological forces at play beneath the city, though most are mild and do not pose a significant threat.

The latest 3.2 magnitude earthquake serves as another gentle reminder for Karachi's populace about the city's geological setting, but more importantly, it underscores the resilience of its infrastructure and the prompt response of its meteorological authorities in providing timely and accurate information.