Desperate Rescue: Thousands of Fish Saved from Drying Canal in Spain

Thousands of Fish Trapped in Drying Spanish Canal; Volunteers Stage Dramatic Rescue In a heart-wrenching incident unfolding in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain, thousands of fish found themselves trapped in a deadly situation. The abrupt closure of the canal connecting the Entrepeñas and Buendía reservoirs left carp, barbels, and bleak stranded in shallow, rapidly drying water. The Confederación Hidrográfica del Tajo (CHT) is under scrutiny for its decision to close the gates without a gradual reduction in water flow. "It was horrifying," said local fisherman, Miguel Alvarez. "The fish were gasping for air, struggling in the mud." The emergency sparked an immediate response from the community. Neighbors, fishermen, and firefighters joined forces, using nets and buckets to carefully transfer the fish to the Buendía reservoir. The images of people wading through the mud, rescuing fish, have gone viral, showcasing the power of community action in the face of environmental crisis. While many fish were saved, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance of the ecosystem and the potential consequences of human intervention. The CHT has yet to issue a full statement explaining the decision to close the gates so abruptly. This incident underscores the importance of carefully managing water resources and the need for more sustainable practices.