Mass Fish Deaths and Cyclone Asna: Karachi Braces for Impact
A technical advisor at WWF identified the dead fish as belonging to two species.
A large number of dead fish have washed ashore near Karachi Port at Keamari amid Cyclone Asna. Heavy rains, strong winds, and turbulent seas have driven marine life toward the shore. Local fishermen quickly noticed the situation and began collecting the fish to sell to poultry feed factories.
Muhammad Moazzam Khan, a technical advisor at WWF, identified the dead fish as belonging to two species: mullet and spotted scat, locally known as boi and seriyoon. He explained that monsoon rains had caused sediments from the mangrove areas to mix with seawater, leading to contamination. “These marine creatures have died due to abnormal sea conditions, so consuming them directly could be harmful,” Khan warned.
Despite this warning, fishermen continue to gather the dead fish, planning to sell them. Khan emphasized that, while the fish might appear fresh, they could be highly contaminated and pose significant health risks if consumed.
Cyclone Asna Threatens Karachi
Meanwhile, the threat of Cyclone Asna looms over Karachi. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has declared the next six hours as critical. Sahibzada Khan, Director General of the Meteorological Department, stated in a press conference that Cyclone Asna has transformed into a deep depression upon reaching Rajasthan. “This is the first time in 60 years, since 1964, that such a cyclone has formed. Currently, it is located 200 kilometers south of Karachi and may intensify into a tropical storm within the next six hours,” he said.
Khan further noted that the severe low-pressure system is highly likely to evolve into a cyclone soon. This development could result in strong winds and heavy, torrential rain across Karachi Division, Tharparkar, Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Matiari, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Dadu, and Shaheed Benazirabad districts. Certain areas of Balochistan might also be affected.
The situation remains tense as Karachi prepares for the possibility of a cyclone. The PMD continues to monitor the storm’s progression, urging residents to stay vigilant. With the ongoing monsoon season and the looming threat of Cyclone Asna, the city’s coastal areas remain on high alert. The impact on marine life, already evident with the mass fish deaths, could worsen if the storm intensifies, bringing further challenges to the region.
