1-5-2024 (HANOI) A catastrophic event has unfolded in southern Vietnam’s Dong Nai province, where hundreds of thousands of fish have perished in the Song May reservoir. Locals and media reports are pointing fingers at a combination of scorching temperatures and mismanagement of the lake.
The relentless heatwave sweeping across much of Southeast Asia has caused schools to close prematurely and electricity consumption to spike. Southern and central Vietnam have borne the brunt of this blistering heat.
Residents in Trang Bom district, particularly near the Song May reservoir, have been grappling with the aftermath. Nghia, a local resident, lamented the devastation, stating, “All the fish in the Song May reservoir died for lack of water.” The stench has disrupted daily life for over a week, prompting distress among the locals.
Distressing images depict residents navigating the once-vibrant reservoir, now concealed beneath a blanket of dead fish. Reports indicate that weeks of rainlessness have led to a drastic drop in water levels, rendering it uninhabitable for marine life.
Efforts to salvage the situation only exacerbated the problem. Initially, reservoir management attempted to release water downstream to save crops. Subsequently, dredging was initiated to create more space and water for the fish. However, these endeavours proved futile, resulting in the tragic demise of a significant portion of the fish population, estimated to be as high as two hundred tonnes.
According to Tuoi Tre newspaper, the lake management company had initiated dredging in early 2024, intending to augment water levels for the fish. However, the relentless heatwave altered plans, causing the water to be redirected downstream, depleting the reservoir further and leading to the mass die-off.
The Song May reservoir serves as a vital water source for agricultural activities in Trang Bom and Vinh Cuu districts, underscoring the urgency of resolving the crisis.
Authorities are now conducting investigations and undertaking efforts to remove the deceased fish promptly. Nghia expressed hope that authorities would take decisive action to ameliorate the situation.
As temperatures soar to unprecedented levels across Southeast Asia, Dong Nai province recorded temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius in April, surpassing previous records. Neighbouring Cambodia is also grappling with scorching temperatures, with forecasts predicting highs of 43 degrees Celsius.
In response, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has instructed schools to consider closures to safeguard students and teachers from the heat. Similarly, Thailand is experiencing a surge in electricity usage as temperatures soar, reaching new highs in northeastern provinces like Udon Thani, where temperatures soared to 44 degrees Celsius.
