'Karachi could be wiped out by a tsunami'

The test was conducted with an aim to check the early-warning system that was set up after the 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean, which claimed more than 230,000 lives in fourteen countries. Indonesia was the hardest-hit country, followed by Sri Lanka, India and Thailand.

The United Nations (UN) organized the drill simulating a 9.0 magnitude earthquake off Makran Coast. The tremor would generate very powerful waves high up to seven metres, which will reach Karachi in one and a half hours, enough to wipe out the metropolis from the face of the earth.

Pakistan Chief Meteorologist, Masood Alam was heading the drill. The early-warning system was set up after the 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean.

Back in 1945, Karachi was hit by a tsunami which had killed at least 4000 people.

Masood Alam told that the early-warning system was framed up because there was a chance of another tsunami in the vicinity; however it cannot be predicted when it would take place.