Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — A massive sargassum bloom is driving residents of this coastal town to consider moving inland, with many expressing frustration over the overpowering stench of rotting seaweed.
“I already want to move to Mérida,” one resident told local media. “The smell of rotting sargassum is very strong.”
The algae, which has been washing ashore in record quantities, has turned beaches into brown, foul-smelling expanses, affecting tourism and quality of life. Residents report headaches, nausea, and an inability to enjoy outdoor activities due to the odor.
Local authorities have deployed cleaning crews, but the sheer volume of sargassum has overwhelmed efforts. The problem is expected to persist as sea temperatures rise, fueling more blooms in the Caribbean.
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