Firstpost ·
Karachi smells like rotten fish: Here's why
Karachi is stinking. The pungent odour in the air is due to decaying microscopic marine algae and weather conditions, according to experts. The decomposing microscopic marine algae, called phytoplankton, are breaking down in the sea
There's something unusual in Karachi's smell today. Many described it as “fishy” as they woke up this morning (September 16) to a foul smell. But it is not what you think. So, what's behind this fishy odour in Karachi's air?
Let's find out.
Why does Karachi smell so strange?
We may have to turn to experts who have the answer to this unwanted odour in Karachi's air, and they attribute decaying microscopic marine algae as a major cause, along with weather conditions, which are behind the pungent smell permeating the air.
Muhammad Moazzam Khan, a technical adviser on marine resources at WWF-Pakistan, explained, saying that decomposing microscopic marine algae called phytoplankton, a naturally occurring event, is breaking down in the sea. The pungent smell is a result of this, Dawn reported.
Phytoplankton are commonly found in the upper layers of the sea, and they are seeing a sharp rise during the monsoon season.
As the monsoon winds down around mid-September, sea conditions start changing, leading to the decay of phytoplankton. The organisms are not visible to the naked eye, but the decomposition of phytoplankton causes the smell along the coast.
Khan stated that Karachi witnessed a similar situation in 2024. He added that the smell may dissipate within a few days.
Is weather adding to the problem?
This process cannot be solely blamed for the foul smell in Karachi as weather conditions are adding to the problem, according to Pakistan Meteorological Department spokesperson Anjum Nazir Zaigham.
Climate change expert Fatima Yamin echoed the same and attributed the scale of the smell to the weather conditions as well.
According to Yamin, a low-pressure system near India's Jamnagar was circulating winds along Karachi’s coast, which was turning into smog due to air pollution.
The combination of both smog and the weather conditions was behind the pungent smell, and it circulated throughout the city. Zaigham also pointed to south-easterly winds and smog as the cause.
Has Karachi smelled like this before?
Not the first time Karachi has experienced such a smell. In October 2024, the same kind of odour was reported across several parts of the city. Clifton, DHA, PECHS, Korangi, Orangi, Saddar, North Nazimabad and Federal B Area were among the affected areas, Pakistan Connect reported.
When asked whether Karachi residents should be concerned? Ecologist Rafiullah asserted that there was no “concrete” evidence as of now; continued exposure to the combination of dusty winds and odour might affect sinusitis.