“These marine creatures have died due to unusual sea conditions, making them unsafe for consumption.”
Cyclone Asna Causes Mass Fish Deaths Near Karachi Port, Looming Threat Intensifies
KARACHI:
In an alarming development, a significant number of dead fish have washed ashore near Karachi Port at Keamari, driven by heavy rains, strong winds, and turbulent sea conditions associated with Cyclone Asna. Local fishermen have begun collecting the washed-up marine life, intending to sell them to factories that produce poultry feed.
According to Muhammad Moazzam Khan, a technical advisor at WWF, the dead fish are primarily of two species: mullet and spotted scat, locally known as boi and seriyoon. “The recent monsoon rains have stirred up sediments from the mangrove areas, causing them to mix with seawater and resulting in contamination,” Khan explained.
Khan expressed concern that the fishermen are gathering these dead fish to sell to poultry plants, warning that “these marine creatures have died due to abnormal sea conditions, so consuming them directly could be harmful.” He urged the public to avoid the dead fish, cautioning that while they might appear fresh, they could be highly contaminated and pose severe health risks.
Cyclone Asna’s Escalating Threat
The situation is further complicated by the looming threat of Cyclone Asna, which continues to intensify. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has declared the next six hours as critical for the region. According to the PMD, Cyclone Asna has moved westward over the northeast Arabian Sea and is now located approximately 200 kilometers south of Karachi, 180 kilometers southwest of Thatta, 250 kilometers southeast of Ormara, and 440 kilometers east-southeast of Gwadar.
Director General of the Meteorological Department, Sahibzada Khan, provided an update during a press conference, stating that Cyclone Asna, after reaching Rajasthan, has transformed into a deep depression. “This is the first time in 60 years, since 1964, that such a cyclone has formed,” he said, noting that the system could intensify into a tropical storm within the next six hours.
Khan emphasized that this severe low-pressure system is highly likely to evolve into a cyclone, potentially bringing strong winds and torrential rains to several districts, including Karachi Division, Tharparkar, Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Matiari, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Dadu, and Shaheed Benazirabad. Certain areas of Balochistan, such as Hub, Lasbella, Awaran, Kech, and Gwadar, might also be affected.
Impact on Local Communities
The abnormal sea conditions have already begun to impact local communities. Fishermen, often the first to feel the effects of such natural events, are now caught between the immediate economic temptation of selling the dead fish and the longer-term health risks posed by potential contamination. The authorities have advised against the consumption of these fish, but enforcement in such scenarios is often challenging.
The broader implications of Cyclone Asna’s approach are also concerning. The storm, if it intensifies as predicted, could bring about widespread devastation through flash floods, urban flooding, and high winds. Low-lying areas along the Makran coast and in Karachi are particularly vulnerable to waterlogging, which could disrupt daily life and cause significant damage to infrastructure.
Precautionary Measures
In response to the escalating situation, the PMD has advised all fishermen in Sindh to avoid venturing into the sea until August 31, while those in Balochistan are warned to stay ashore until September 1. The Karachi Mayor, Murtaza Wahab, has also urged residents to avoid unnecessary movement, particularly bike riders who are at greater risk during heavy winds and rains.
The Karachi commissioner’s office has announced a holiday for schools on August 30 (Friday) due to the anticipated severe weather. These measures are part of a broader effort to minimize casualties and damage as the city braces for the impact of Cyclone Asna.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
Chief Meteorologist Dr. Sardar Sarfaraz described the situation as a “rare phenomenon,” noting that cyclones during the monsoon season are uncommon, particularly in August. “There is an 80 percent chance for a cyclonic storm’s formation when the deep depression would move from land to the sea and get favorable conditions. It would be a rare event as cyclones are uncommon in the monsoon season,” Dr. Sarfaraz explained.
If Cyclone Asna materializes as expected, it would be the first cyclone in the Arabian Sea in August since 1976, a historic event given the rarity of such occurrences. The PMD’s cyclone warning center in Karachi is closely monitoring the system and will continue to issue updates as the situation evolves.
As Karachi and the surrounding regions prepare for what could be a severe weather event, the focus remains on safeguarding lives and property. The authorities’ timely warnings and preventive measures are critical in ensuring that the impact of Cyclone Asna is mitigated as much as possible.