Moderate earthquake strikes parts of Karachi and Balochistan
KARACHI: A moderate earthquake struck Karachi and parts of Balochistan late Monday night, triggering panic among residents across several neighbourhoods, though no casualties or property damage were reported.
According to the Seismological Centre, the earthquake measured 5.2 on the Richter scale and occurred at 12:51am. The tremor was recorded at a depth of 12 kilometres, with its epicentre located near Sonmiani, approximately 87 kilometres northwest of Karachi.
Residents across multiple areas of Karachi reported feeling strong tremors, including SITE Area, Saddar, Clifton, DHA Phase 8 and PECHS. People in Shah Faisal Colony, Liaquatabad and Buffer Zone also experienced the quake, with residents of Liaquatabad describing the shaking as particularly intense.
The sudden tremors caused widespread fear, prompting many residents to rush out of their homes and offices while reciting prayers. Social media users shared accounts of the shaking, with several saying it lasted for a few seconds but was strong enough to rattle windows and furniture.
Authorities confirmed that tremors were felt in surrounding regions of Balochistan as well, but no reports of injuries or structural damage had been received at the time of filing this report. Disaster management officials said they were monitoring the situation and urged citizens to remain calm.
Pakistan lies on several active seismic fault lines, making earthquakes a frequent occurrence. In October, tremors were felt across Upper Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Swat, Mardan and Malakand. Other affected areas at the time included Chitral, Gilgit, Dir, Murree, Taxila, Wah Cantt and Gujrat.
Seismological authorities have advised the public to follow safety protocols during earthquakes and remain alert for possible aftershocks, although no immediate aftershocks were reported following the latest tremor.
