After Typhoon Wipha, Chinese People Rush to Pick Up Seafood, Experts Advise Not to Eat

On the morning of July 21, right after typhoon Wipha dissipated, people in Shenzhen and Shantou (China) braved the wind and rain to rush to Aomen beach, carrying buckets and basins to pick up clams, oysters, fish, etc.

Typhoon Wipha makes landfall in southern China. (Source: Xinhua)

On Chinese social media, a series of videos have gone viral, recording scenes of people jostling to carry buckets, basins, and plastic containers to the sea to collect seafood. This phenomenon is called "seafood rain" by locals.

At Aomen Beach, Shenzhen, clams, oysters, fish, squid... are scattered on the sand. The person filming the video said: "The rain is still heavy but everyone is carrying a bucket. Some people even carry a large basin to collect seafood. Whoever picks up a lot is considered lucky."

The incident attracted tens of thousands of comments on social network Douyin. Many people were amused by the rare sight. One account commented: "Each person has a bucket, this scene is more bustling than going to the early morning market."

Another user humorously wrote: "Free food dropped all over the beach."

According to oceanography experts from the Ocean University of China, the phenomenon of seafood drifting ashore after storms is a common occurrence in coastal waters in southern China.

As the storm passes, large waves and strong currents under the sea will dislodge attached organisms such as oysters, clams, and mussels from rocks or farmed rafts, washing them ashore.

In addition, small fish, squid, crabs... living on the bottom or near the shore are also easily swept up by large waves, especially when storms have strong winds accompanied by rising sea levels.

However, local authorities and the Guangdong Center for Disease Control have repeatedly issued warnings: Do not eat seafood that has washed up after the storm.

According to experts, after heavy rains, domestic wastewater from coastal farms can spill into the sea, carrying disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Shellfish such as oysters and clams are prone to accumulating bacteria that cause acute diarrhea.

In addition, the rescue team also reminded people to be vigilant of some dangerous creatures such as jellyfish, sea snakes, sea urchins that can be washed ashore by waves. Accidentally touching these creatures can cause injury, skin burns or poisoning.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/sau-bao-wipha-nguoi-dan-trung-quoc-thi-nhau-nhat-hai-san-chuyen-gia-khuyen-khong-nen-an-321862.html