Vietnam Heatwave Impacts: Thousands of Fish Die Due to Rising Temperatures

Reports revealed that thousands of fish died in southern Vietnam due to challenging heatwaves in the country, impacting the country's reservoirs and lakes. The lack of rain is also blamed.

Southeast Asia has suffered from extreme weather events, including brutal heatwaves. In Vietnam, residents have struggled against rising temperatures and heat waves. Scorching temperatures forced the closure of schools in parts of Asia due to potential heat-related health concerns, particularly for communities without heating systems.

A recent Nature World News (NWN) report suggested that climate change could exacerbate the problem of heat, increasing heat-related health concerns, and El Nino can have dual effects. Many marine animals are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, and most of them could be vulnerable to death or health decline.

Fish Die-Off and Heatwaves in Vietnam

Southern Vietnam's Dong Nai province. Thousands of fish died in a province in Vietnam due to heatwaves. The country has experienced scorching heat, including other countries in southeast Asia. (Photo : by STR/AFP via Getty Images)

The latest news report shows the mass die-off of fish in Vietnam, which was blamed on scorching heat or heat waves in the country. The death was reported in a reservoir in southern Vietnam in Dong Nai province.

Portions of Vietnam, in southern and central areas, have experienced challenging heat. In addition to heat waves, the lack of rain has exacerbated the situation for reservoirs.

Reports reveal that the low water levels significantly affected the fish in reservoirs. The decline in water levels can also impact the water sources for crops in the region. As a result, due to mass fish die-off, officials will investigate the incident and remove the dead fish. Research explains that marine heatwaves, including harmful algal blooms (HAB), poor water quality, disease outbreaks, and illegal fishing practices, are among the killers of fish.

Understanding the potential deaths of fish and other marine creatures is essential for conservation and mitigation efforts amidst the growing threats of climate change, extreme weather events, and temperature fluctuations.

Mass deaths can be devastating for fisheries and likely cause prices to soar, potentially impacting the country's food security. As climate change intensifies, continued monitoring is crucial to save species from decline.

Also Read: Asia Is Heating Up Faster Than The Global Average, UN Report Says

Asia heat and climate change

According to a report, the United Nations (UN) warned of the impacts of climate change and rising temperatures in Asia. The forecast warns that Asia is heating up faster, noting the unprecedented heatwaves in April and May in Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.

In 2023, marine heat waves were recorded in oceans such as the Arctic Ocean. Surface temperatures increased in the Arabian Sea, Laptev Sea, and southern Kara Sea.

Additionally, the report highlights the effects of climate change on storms and flooding. Rounds of heavy rain can lead to significant flooding, which is disastrous for people in low-lying or flood-prone areas.