On Monday, an earthquake of 3.2 magnitude on the Richter scale was felt in various parts of Karachi.
According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre, the earthquake struck 22 kilometres, with its epicentre 15 kilometres northeast of Karachi. Areas affected included Defence and Clifton.
Witnesses reported frightened residents reciting prayers as they rushed outdoors. No immediate reports of damage or casualties were received.
Karachi has experienced its third minor earthquake in the past few weeks. On May 2, a 2.3 magnitude earthquake shook parts of the city, including Gadap Town, Kathore, and nearby areas in the Malir district.
According to NSMC, the epicentre of that quake was 38 kilometres northeast of Malir at a depth of 84 kilometres.
Similarly, a 3.2 magnitude earthquake shook Karachi’s Malir district on April 24.
According to the World Bank, seismic risks in Pakistan have increased since the 2005 earthquake. The World Bank’s Fiscal Disaster Risk Assessment notes that if the 2005 earthquake occurred today, it could cost nearly twice as much—$2.8 billion alone.
