Thousands of fish die in Vietnam amid severe heatwave

A severe heatwave in southern Vietnam's Dong Nai province has led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of fish in a reservoir, causing significant distress among locals and sparking concerns over water management practices.

Residents of Trang Bom district have reported the devastating impact of the heatwave on the Song May reservoir, where an alarming number of fish have perished due to dwindling water levels.

"All the fish in the Song May reservoir died for lack of water," said a local resident, Nghia, to AFP highlighting the disruption caused by the incident.

The reservoir, spanning 300 hectares, has become a scene of distress, with images depicting residents navigating through a layer of dead marine life covering the water's surface.

Media reports have indicated that the absence of rainfall for weeks, coupled with low water levels in the reservoir, contributed to the mass mortality of the fish.

Efforts to mitigate the situation, including releasing additional water into the reservoir and dredging operations, proved futile as the heatwave persisted.

Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident and are working to remove the deceased fish from the reservoir promptly.

The heatwave's impact extends beyond Vietnam, with neighboring Cambodia also experiencing soaring temperatures, prompting concerns about water shortages and health risks.

In response, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has directed schools to consider closing temporarily to safeguard students and teachers from the extreme heat.

Additionally, measures have been implemented in Cambodia and Thailand to adjust school schedules and conserve electricity amidst the scorching temperatures.