Heat kills 2,000 kilos of fish in Taguig

MANILA, Philippines — Over 2,000 kilos of dead fish were found along the Lakeshore area in Taguig City, facing Laguna de Bay, in what authorities suspect was a consequence of the recent extreme heat.

According to the Taguig Lake and River Management Office (LRMO), a total of 2,120 kilos of dead fish were collected between April 2 and 18.

However, earlier data released by the city government indicated 1,620 kilos were gathered between April 1 and 16.

The LRMO attributed the fish kill to a combination of factors, including low levels of dissolved oxygen, sudden shifts in water temperature and the proliferation of algal blooms.

Warm weather significantly reduces oxygen concentration in the water, while algal blooms – often triggered by heat – can release toxins harmful to aquatic life.

Reached by The STAR, Taguig provided no further details except that the LRMO continues its daily clean-up operations.

The affected area, located along C-6 Road, is home to Lakeshore Park, a popular destination during the holiday season.

Officials noted that the decomposing fish, along with decaying algal blooms, have contributed to a foul odor in certain areas of Laguna de Bay due to the release of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia.

On Monday, the city government advised fish cage operators to refrain from overstocking, which can aggravate oxygen depletion during high-temperature periods.

Authorities also assured the public that water quality in Laguna de Bay is being closely monitored.

Heat index

The extreme temperatures persisted across other regions of the country, including Northern Luzon.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that the heat index in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, remains at a sweltering 44 degrees Celsius yesterday.

The same extreme heat index was recorded on Tuesday, both in Tuguegarao City and in Aparri, another town in Cagayan province.

Dagupan City in Pangasinan, along with the rest of Northern Luzon, continues to experience similarly scorching conditions.

No significant rainfall is expected in the region, aside from possible localized thunderstorms that may bring brief rain showers. — Christine Boton, Artemio Dumlao