Karachi Seismic Activity Prompts Urgent Preparedness Calls
The rise in mild Karachi earthquakes is increasingly prompting experts to emphasize the need for robust disaster preparedness and stricter enforcement of building codes. In June, Pakistan’s largest city experienced 57 low-intensity tremors, ranging 1.5-3.8 on the Richter scale, as reported by the Pakistan Meteorological Department. This was followed by a 3.2-magnitude quake in October, highlighting the city’s continuous seismic vulnerability.
Karachi sits near the boundaries of three major tectonic plates with multiple fault lines. Geological oceanographer Asif Rana notes that while mild quakes can release natural pressure, their recent frequency raises concerns about potential impacts on buildings lacking structural integrity.
The Association of Builders and Developers identified some 700 unstable buildings, a critical issue compounded by unchecked groundwater extraction and land subsidence, which weakens the city’s foundations.
Addressing the Rise in Mild Karachi Earthquakes
Experts advocate for immediate and decisive action. Hydrogeologist Haziq Khan stresses curtailing unregulated groundwater withdrawal and enforcing “geotechnical-based” building codes tailored to local soil conditions. The country’s building code, adopted in 2007, offers a sound framework, but its full implementation remains a challenge, as highlighted by Rana. SindhNews.com recently underscored the urgency of these measures.
The city’s inherent vulnerability, including a recently identified active fault and subsidence rates of up to 17mm annually, demands comprehensive geophysical surveys, improved urban planning, and better drainage systems. This collaborative approach is vital to effectively address the rise in mild Karachi earthquakes and translate concern into actionable resilience.
Conclusion
The recurrent seismic activity in Karachi underscores an urgent need for multi-pronged disaster preparedness strategies, stronger building regulations, and effective groundwater management. These measures are crucial to protect the city’s population and infrastructure against future, potentially larger, seismic events.