Biblical Plague in Pakistan? Karachi on Lockdown as Swarm of Desert Locusts Invades the City

The capital of the Pakistani province of Sindh, Karachi, was attacked by a swarm of desert locusts flying in from Balochistan’s coastal areas on Monday.

Locusts are a collection of certain species of short-horned grasshoppers. According to an expert, heavy rains in Sindh and Balochistan during monsoon forced locusts to move away from the coastal areas.

An official at the Plant Protection Department Muhammad Tariq Khan said the insects, generally found in deserts, are not harmful.

Khan explained that the desert locust's preferred habitat is in desert areas. Sandy soil with moisture and vegetation are required for their oviposition and breeding.

He added that the department was monitoring the situation closely and that desert locust control teams were prepared to overcome any risks the species might pose as per technical guidelines.

The Sindh government has also issued instructions for preventive measures in the city.

Reportedly, this is the second biggest attack on the port city since 1961, and experts believe that the invasion is due to recent climatic changes.

​This is the third major invasion this year; the first two in September stayed in the planes of Sindh and Balochistan and destroyed the crops there.

Karachi residents were quick to react with videos of concern and fear over the epidemic.