YANGON — The Mekong, one of the largest rivers in South East Asia, is experiencing a historically low level, and Vientiane residents whose livelihoods depend on the river are struggling to sustain their businesses. Mr Xaysana Bounyalath, who has been fishing in the river near Vat Chan since 1975, said yesterday he had never known the water level be so low at this time of the year. He said fish stocks in the Mekong were declining, and he believed that the abnormal water level was the cause of the problem. The Mekong River Commission (MRC), which monitors the flow of the Mekong, announced last week that the level had fallen below the historical minimum. ADVERTISEMENTThe average lower-than-normal rain volume in the lower Mekong basin during June-July could also cause deficient groundwater in the region.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 22, 2019 04:30 UTC