Hundreds of kilograms of fish die in Morava River near Olomouc

Hundreds of kilograms of fish have died in the Morava River and nearby streams around Olomouc. It is the largest fish die-off recorded in the area since monitoring began in the 1990s. The deaths are linked to extremely low water levels caused by prolonged drought.

The low water levels have reduced oxygen in the river, causing fish to suffocate. The die-off is continuing, particularly at night when oxygen levels are lowest.

Authorities have extended a ban on taking water from some streams around Olomouc until the end of October. Several factors have contributed to the poor water quality, including pollutants that cannot be properly diluted because of the low water levels.