Residents share experiences on social media as mild quake jolts Karachi and Balochistan.
A moderate earthquake struck Karachi and parts of Balochistan on Monday afternoon, sending tremors across the city. The earthquake, recorded at 4:10 PM local time, caused brief panic but no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
Key Details of the Karachi Earthquake Today
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) confirmed the earthquake had a magnitude of 4.7 and originated 75 km north of Karachi at a depth of 19 km. However, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a slightly lower magnitude of 4.6, locating the epicenter 65 km east-southeast of Uthal, Balochistan, at a shallower depth of 10 km.
Source | Magnitude | Depth | Epicenter |
Pakistan Met Dept | 4.7 | 19 km | 75 km north of Karachi |
USGS | 4.6 | 10 km | 65 km east-southeast of Uthal |
Tremors Felt Across Karachi
The earthquake lasted a few seconds but was strong enough to be felt in homes and offices. Many Karachi residents took to social media to describe their experiences.
- “My chair started rocking suddenly, but thankfully it wasn’t too strong.” – Twitter user @AliRaza
- “Felt the walls shaking in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. Hope everyone is safe!” – Facebook post
Authorities confirmed no structural damage or casualties were reported.
Why Does Karachi Experience Earthquakes?
Karachi lies near the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it prone to seismic activity. Balochistan, where the epicenter was located, is part of a highly active earthquake zone. Smaller tremors (magnitude 2.3–3.2) have been felt in Karachi over the past year, but today’s quake was the strongest in recent months.
What to Do During an Earthquake?
- Stay indoors and take cover under sturdy furniture.
- Avoid windows or heavy objects that may fall.
- If outside, move to an open area away from buildings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Was there any damage from the Karachi earthquake today?
No damage or injuries have been reported so far. The tremor was mild but widely felt.
How often do earthquakes occur in Karachi?
Karachi experiences minor earthquakes occasionally due to its proximity to tectonic plate boundaries. Most are below magnitude 4.0.
Which areas in Pakistan are most earthquake-prone?
Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and northern regions are high-risk zones due to tectonic activity.