After Tropical Storm Auring left Mindanao Area, 2 rare phenomena’s transpired around Tagoloan and Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, and Coastal barangay in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental.
An estimated 2,500 kilograms worth of Malangsi or small sardines were washed offshore in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental Sunday afternoon February 21. Local villagers said the fish were jumping out of the water and died there. Residents cheered as they see it as a blessing after the lack of fish due to the storm “Auring”.
Photos by Christian Jay Hondrada Lapu-Lapu
Meanwhile on the same day around afternoon, some coastal barangays in Sta. Crus, Ozamis City turned red leaving residents shocked.
Photos by Joan Gecale Debalucos
The majority of the reactions received on social media posts stated these phenomena to be related to the bible, while some believed it to have a scientific explanation and defended it.
Photos from Facebook and Youtube Comments
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) have taken action by taking water samples and investigating the phenomena. In their recent press release, they explained that the Redwater in Ozamis City occurred due to Algal blooms of Phytoplanktons, which were said to be triggered by water waste from passing ships in the area causing the rusty color and foul odor emitting from the water. Meanwhile, the kilograms of dead fish in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental were caused due to the big waves that occurred in the morning. The fish were said to swim in a group and are sensitive to water temperature, so they tend to swim away from warm water but were caught in the big waves. BFAR released a local advisory explaining the situation and their investigation of the 2 occurrences.
Based on investigation results, the water in the areas is of good quality, but BFAR warns the residents not to eat the washed fish and advised the LGU’s to dispose of the fish as soon as possible to avoid casualties. Continuous water monitoring is still being conducted in coastal barangays in Ozamiz City.
Furthermore, although fast action in investigations and releasing local advisories and press conferences, BFAR should have been stricter in guarding the area. It’s been known that some residents have already eaten the small sardines. Another thing, although a detailed report was released to the public with this matter, it should have been explained simply to let others understand the situation easier. Even after the press release people still commented with their concerns and related them to their beliefs.
Watch the BFAR press release here:
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