By Seda Sevencan
ISTANBUL (AA) - Thousands of fish perished due to a lack of oxygen as water levels fell drastically in the El-Aziz River in Maysan, southern Iraq, near the Iranian border.
The local fishing industry, a significant source of income for the area's residents, has been hit hard by the rising temperatures and shrinking water levels.
When fish died as a result of the falling water flow in the Al-Ezz River, locals reported their concerns to authorities.
The Iraqi government launched an investigation into the fish deaths.