What’s behind the foul smell in Karachi?

The foul smell reported along Karachi’s coastline is being caused by the decay of marine vegetation, WWF-Pakistan technical adviser Moazzam Khan said.

Khan said the smell was produced by the decomposition of marine plants known as phytoplankton, which had washed up along the coast in large numbers.

He explained that the end of the monsoon season and a decline in wind speed can affect the marine ecosystem.

According to Khan, changes in sea temperature have also caused large numbers of phytoplankton to die and accumulate along the coastline, resulting in the foul smell.

The low-pressure system over the Arabian Sea has weakened further, while sea breezes are expected to resume in Karachi from Wednesday evening, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department.

The Met Office said Karachi’s weather would remain hot and humid, with sea breezes returning to the city from the evening.

Meanwhile, winter may be longer than usual in northern and upper parts of the country, the department said.

Winter rainfall across the country could also remain above normal, according to the Met Office.