Mass fish deaths continue for 10 days at Ea Trum reservoir as authorities face criticism over slow response

For 10 days, dead fish have covered parts of Ea Trum irrigation reservoir in Quảng Phú commune, Đắk Lắk, leaving a foul smell that residents say has disrupted daily life and farming.

Thanh Niên reporters observed large numbers of carcasses floating in several areas of the reservoir on the morning of September 7. Fish had gathered along parts of the shoreline and at irrigation-channel outlets, where flies swarmed around them. The water appeared cloudy, and many carcasses had not been collected or cleaned up.

Ksor H'Loan, head of Sứt M'grư hamlet, said the deaths began on August 27. Residents have repeatedly complained and posted about the situation on social media. The hamlet’s self-management board has also urged residents to report the problem and called on local authorities to act.

The hamlet has more than 400 households and over 1,900 residents. H'Loan said the pollution had made life difficult and needed to be dealt with permanently. Residents said mass fish deaths had occurred at the reservoir before, with the smell becoming worse during hot weather.

Quảng Phú authorities are now trying to determine the cause. Commune officials said competent agencies were taking samples for testing, while an inspection team visited the reservoir on September 7. Local officials said they would arrange the collection and disposal of the fish to protect environmental hygiene. The commune is preparing a report for the Đắk Lắk provincial government.

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The mass fish deaths have caused environmental pollution, made life difficult for residents and need to be dealt with permanently.