Residents in Weihai, Shandong Province, have been troubled by a strong and mysterious odor in their neighborhoods, prompting concerns and complaints among the locals. Videos shared online on the evening of September 29 by multiple netizens captured the moment when residents first noticed the unpleasant smell in various areas of Weihai, with questions arising about the origin of the odor.
In the videos, one netizen expressed bewilderment over the foul smell permeating the air in the Shanhaicheng neighborhood of Weihai, describing it as a pungent stench that caused discomfort. Other commenters on the videos mentioned detecting odors resembling fish powder, chicken manure, decaying rodents, or rotten seafood, adding to the confusion surrounding the issue.
According to some residents who shared videos online, the peculiar odor lingered for a period before eventually dissipating, leaving many in the community puzzled about its sudden appearance and disappearance.
A netizen associated with the “Vanke Weigao Feicui Park in Weihai” also posted a video at 10 p.m. on September 29, highlighting the widespread nature of the odor issue, with inquiries made regarding the cause behind the pervasive stench affecting the entire city.
Furthermore, discussions among residents in various neighborhood groups reflected widespread concern about the unpleasant smell, with some residents noticing the odor of rotten fish and even suspecting issues within their own homes before realizing the source of the smell was external.
In response to the growing public unease, officials from the Weihai Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau confirmed the reports of the noxious odor and assured the public that investigations were underway to identify the source of the smell. Numerous complaints from concerned citizens were received by the bureau on the night of September 29, underscoring the urgency of resolving the issue.
Despite efforts by environmental department officials to investigate the anomaly overnight, no conclusive findings have been made as to the exact cause of the odor. Preliminary checks suggested that the odor was not linked to any pollutants and that local fish powder factories were not operational during the period of concern, ruling out a direct connection to their activities as a potential source.
Reacting to the official statements from the Weihai Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau, netizens expressed skepticism and dissatisfaction with the lack of concrete explanations regarding the unpleasant odor that had stirred up widespread discomfort and speculation in the city.
As residents eagerly await further updates from the authorities regarding the investigation into the mysterious odor in Weihai, the lingering smell continues to provoke curiosity and concern among the local population, underscoring the need for prompt and transparent communication from officials regarding the resolution of the issue.