Drought Grips Indonesia, Rivers Vanish, Fish Die in Millions

A prolonged dry spell has caused millions of fish to die in Indonesia’s Silugonggo River in Central Java, as water levels plunge, threatening communities and farmland. Save Share Follow Al Jazeera English: The river, once a vital source of livelihood for local communities and a crucial water supply for agriculture, has shrunk dramatically due to months of insufficient rainfall. The drastic drop in water levels has left fish with nowhere to go, leading to mass deaths from lack of oxygen and high temperatures. The sight of dead fish filling the riverbanks has deeply affected residents. The drought also poses a severe threat to agricultural water supply, with many farmers struggling to secure irrigation, impacting crop growth. Concerns over food production are mounting, highlighting the urgent need for government aid and enhanced water resource management. This drought is seen as part of a pattern of extreme weather events in Indonesia, linked to climate change. Long-term solutions, including infrastructure development and sustainable water use, are being called for to address future water scarcity.