Cambodia's Tonle Sap Lake is running out of water, greatly affecting lives of hundreds of local fishermen.
The lake is an important part of Mekong River system and vital to Vietnam's Mekong Delta Region. During dry season, the lake contributes 30 to 50 percent of the water to the downstream rivers and lakes and helps Vietnam fight saltwater intrusion.
But due to the El Nino effect, Tonle Sap is drying out. The amount of fish has decreased sharply.
According to the locals, the water level in last dry season was still up to 89cm, but now at some locations, the water levels have dropped to just 20 to 30cm. The water flow into the lake during flooding season has decreased over time. The lake gained 10m in 2014 but only 5m last year.
Now as the water levels on many streams and rivers are low, people can't move easily on their rafts and boats anymore. Many moved to live by the lake to make it more convenient for fishing.
Silang, a local in Kampong Phluk Village, said she was able to earn USD20-30 a day in previous years but only USD10 now. They are struggling to pay for food and their children's tuition as 97% of the villagers live on fishing.
Head of the village said the low water level caused by dry season and various hydropower plants upstream.
In 2011, the lake also ran low on water, leading to shortage of fish and the relocation of 800 people.
Tonle Sap is drying out
People can't move easily on their rafts and boats
Many moved to live by the lake
