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Thousands of fishes killed by toxic algae in Kerala
An outbreak of destructive algae has killed thousands of fishes in Kerala, causing more than 90 children to fall ill because of the stench.
An outbreak of destructive algae has killed thousands of fishes in Kerala, causing more than 90 children to fall ill because of the stench, officials said on Saturday.
The waters of Valiyathura village in Kerala are crimson because of the outbreak, known as red tide, which occurs naturally when Karenia brevis algae blooms in more than normal numbers, authorities said.
The algae affect the central nervous system of fish and seafood, and can be toxic to humans.
Thousands of dead fishes have been washed ashore, producing a stench that sent at least 90 children suffering from nausea to hospitals, said health authorities in Valiyathura.
A local school was closed after scores of children began vomiting and collapsing on Friday.
Government scientists were investigating the case, Dominic Presentation, the state's Fisheries Minister, informed on Saturday.
"We have asked the villagers not to worry. The government is taking all precaution against any health hazards in the area," he said.
Initial reports from health officials had indicated the odour could have been caused by "the increased volumes of fertilizer, sewage and other biological waste pumped into the sea," Presentation said.
Many parts of India, including large cities, do not have modern sewage disposal or treatment plants and solid wastes are often dumped in the sea.
Valiyathura is about 210 kilometers south of Cochin, Kerala's commercial hub.
