02/06/2025
Is Karachi Located on a Dangerous Fault Line?
By Abbas Mumtaz
Another earthquake strikes, and once again a familiar question returns: Is Karachi at risk of a major seismic disaster?
For years, speculation has circulated on social media and among the general public suggesting that Karachi, particularly its eastern neighborhood Landhi, sits atop a critical tectonic junction where the Indian and Arabian plates meet. Some claim this area is sitting on a fault line so unstable that it could one day trigger a massive earthquake, potentially leveling parts of the city and even causing a tsunami.
These concerns are not entirely unfounded, nor should they be dismissed without serious analysis. A few years ago, I hosted a radio program on this very topic, featuring expert geologists and seismologists. The discussion explored the causes and effects of earthquakes in Kashmir as well as the seismic risks specific to Karachi and its surrounding areas. This article presents their insights and aims to separate facts from fears, while addressing common misconceptions.
What Lies Beneath Karachi?
Karachi is Pakistan’s most densely populated and economically vital city. While it is generally considered less seismically active than northern Pakistan or Balochistan, parts of the city, especially its coastal and eastern regions, are still considered vulnerable.
A recurring belief is that Landhi sits directly on a fault line or where two tectonic plates converge. However, geologists have firmly denied this claim. Karachi is not situated on any major plate boundary.
To understand why earthquakes occur, one must understand the Earth’s surface, which is divided into massive tectonic plates that are constantly in motion. When these plates collide or slide past each other, stress builds up. When that stress is released suddenly, the Earth shakes. This is an earthquake.
Pakistan lies on the Indian Plate, which is colliding with the Eurasian Plate. This collision is responsible for the formation of the Himalayan mountains and the frequent earthquakes in northern areas, including Kashmir and parts of Balochistan.
Karachi’s Actual Seismic Risk
Karachi is located in the southern part of the country and is not positioned on a major tectonic boundary. However, smaller fault zones do exist nearby. The most notable is the Makran Subduction Zone, where the Arabian Plate is slowly sliding under the Indian Plate along the coast of Balochistan and the Arabian Sea.
This zone was responsible for the 1945 earthquake that measured 8.1 in magnitude and resulted in a tsunami that reached the Karachi coastline.
While the central parts of Karachi may not face a direct threat of large-magnitude earthquakes, the city is still exposed to secondary risks from major quakes in the Makran region. The most serious of these is the potential for a tsunami affecting the coastal belt.
Unfortunately, Karachi is poorly prepared for such natural disasters. The city lacks a reliable earthquake and tsunami warning system. Most buildings are not constructed according to seismic safety codes. There is also no clear public evacuation strategy or awareness plan in place.
The Importance of Responsible Reporting
The media has a vital role to play in informing the public about potential hazards. When real threats exist, they must be communicated based on scientific evidence. At the same time, spreading unverified or exaggerated claims only creates panic and confusion, diverting attention from real risks.
The idea that Landhi sits on a deadly fault line has no scientific basis. The true danger lies in Karachi’s vulnerability due to weak infrastructure, lack of preparedness, and limited public awareness.
If the city is to withstand future seismic threats, urgent action is required. Authorities must invest in functional warning systems, enforce building regulations, and educate the public about emergency procedures. These steps are essential to reducing the potential impact of natural disasters.
Karachi may not be located directly on a catastrophic fault line, but without serious preparedness, it could still face the devastating consequences of one.
