Wild Scene In The Philippines As Millions Of Sardines Flood The Beaches

From January of this year-A countless mass of sardines — likely numbering in the millions — recently beached themselves on an island in the Philippines, turning coastlines silver as tiny dead fish covered the shore. Around 48 hours later, the area was struck by a powerful earthquake, sparking speculation that the fish may have sensed the impending natural disaster and fled into shallow waters. However, local experts say that the two events are unconnected and that a phenomenon known as "upwelling" was likely to blame for the unusual mass stranding. The disorientated fish began to swim ashore in the early hours of Sunday (Jan. 7) on the coastline surrounding the municipality of Maasim, located in the Sarangani province on the southern tip of Mindanao island. Photos and videos captured by residents throughout the night show vast swarms of glittering sardines strewn across the beach and thrashing in the surf as they were swept onto the shore.