Each year, as June approaches, Karachi’s beaches are not just crowded with people but also covered in millions of seashells. These shells form dense drifts across the shore, a sight that intrigues locals and raises questions about what might be happening.
The phenomenon has been occurring annually since at least 2016, with reports from The Express Tribune, Dawn, and Aaj News noting similar occurrences in Karachi’s Clifton Beach, Ibrahim Hyderi, and other coastal areas. These news sources suggest the seashells are dislodged by rising water during the monsoon season.
Local fishing expert Majeed Motani explains that this event is known as ‘aokar’ locally and can be seen along multiple beaches in Karachi. He adds that it has been a recurring seasonal phenomenon, happening primarily in June and July.
While fishermen have observed this occurrence over decades, scientific research from the Arabian Sea provides deeper insights. The arrival of the southwest monsoon around June brings strong winds which push water upwards, eventually depositing the seashells along the coastline.
Source: Original report
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