Key Takeaways
- Karachi residents woke up to a strong and unpleasant smell in several neighborhoods.
- Experts attribute the smell to the natural decomposition of marine vegetation.
- Stronger sea breezes expected to clear the smell by Thursday.
Karachi residents awoke to an unpleasant smell that permeated several neighborhoods, including Clifton, DHA, Korangi, PECHS, MA Jinnah Road, Tower, and Kharadar on Wednesday.
Marine experts explained that the odor was not due to a leak or pollution incident, but rather a seasonal marine process.
According to Muhammad Moazzam Khan, Technical Adviser at WWF-Pakistan, the phenomenon usually appears towards the end of the monsoon season when changing wind and water conditions cause microscopic marine plants to die naturally.
The decomposition of these plants produces a foul smell that can drift inland, affecting the city’s residents.
Weak sea breezes allowed the odor to linger over the city for longer than usual, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
The department reported that the breeze remained weak through much of Wednesday before picking up in the evening.
Meteorologists predict that stronger sea breezes will start from Thursday, which should help clear the smell from the city.
Experts advise residents to keep windows and doors closed during the day to minimize exposure to the smell.
