Wave of earthquakes in Karachi, is there any such example in history?
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Yes, there are historical examples of "waves" or series of earthquakes in Karachi, although perhaps not as frequently as in more seismically active regions. Here's what history and recent reports indicate: * Recent Activity (June 2025): There have been reports of a notable "wave" of mild tremors inRead more
Yes, there are historical examples of “waves” or series of earthquakes in Karachi, although perhaps not as frequently as in more seismically active regions.
See lessHere’s what history and recent reports indicate:
* Recent Activity (June 2025): There have been reports of a notable “wave” of mild tremors in Karachi since Sunday, June 1, 2025, with multiple low-intensity earthquakes (up to magnitude 3.6) felt in various parts of the city, particularly in Malir, Quaidabad, and Korangi. Experts attribute this to shifts in underground tectonic layers and the activation of a local fault line (like the Landhi fault region). While these are generally low in magnitude and not causing major damage, the frequency has been a cause for concern among residents.
* 2005 Earthquake Swarm: A significant example of a “swarm” or series of tremors in Karachi occurred between July and October 2005. During this period, multiple tremors were felt in the Karachi metropolitan area, with some causing rattling of loose objects and even hairline cracks in walls.
* Historical Major Earthquakes (Impacting Karachi Region): While Karachi itself is considered to be on a “passive tectonic margin” and generally not prone to very high-magnitude earthquakes directly beneath it, it has been affected by significant seismic events in the broader region:
* 893 or 894 AD (Debal Earthquake): A massive earthquake (estimated 7.5 magnitude) hit Debal, east of present-day Karachi, in the Indus Delta. It’s believed to have caused widespread destruction and changed the course of the Indus River.
* **1668 (Shah Bundar Earthquake): A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Sindh coastal village of Shah Bundar, destroying it.
* 1819 (Rann of Kutch Earthquake): This earthquake (estimated 7.7 to 8.2 magnitude) had its epicenter further east but was strongly felt in Sindh, including areas that would later become part of Karachi. It caused significant damage and a tsunami.
* **1945 (Makran Coast Earthquake and Tsunami): An 8.1 magnitude earthquake off the Makran coast (west of Karachi) generated a destructive tsunami that killed thousands. While the epicenter was some distance away, Karachi experienced waves of up to 6.5 feet.
* 2001 (Gujarat Earthquake): The 7.7 magnitude Bhuj earthquake in India, while not in Pakistan, was strongly felt in Karachi due to its proximity.
In summary, while major, destructive earthquakes are historically rare directly within Karachi, the city has experienced periods of multiple low-intensity tremors (like the current wave and the 2005 swarm), and has been impacted by significant seismic events in the wider region, including tsunamis.