Press conference on cause of fish deaths in Central Vietnam canceled

On the afternoon of April 27, at 2:00 p.m. at the headquarters of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (10 Ton That Thuyet, Hanoi), Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha chaired a meeting with experts, ministries, and related provinces to jointly determine the initial cause of the mass fish deaths in the Central provinces.

Attending the meeting were representatives of seven ministries and branches: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of National Defense and Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.

Dozens of reporters waiting in front of the gate of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment headquarters

All press agencies are not allowed to attend closed meetings of the above ministries and branches.

According to previous information, also this afternoon the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will hold a press conference and officially announce the cause of the mass fish deaths after many days, many agencies joined in researching and analyzing samples... collected on the beaches of the Central region.

Dead fish washed ashore. Photo: Dac Lam

However, while the majority of people across the country are eagerly waiting for information from the authorities, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Van, Head of the Press and Communications Department, confirmed to the press that this afternoon there will not be a press conference as planned.

Head of Press and Communications Nguyen Ngoc Van said there will be no press conference.

After more than 30 minutes waiting outside the headquarters gate...

... reporters were invited inside... to have a drink

At this time, more than 100 reporters are still gathered at the headquarters of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The fact that up to this point there has been no information released by the authorities has caused confusion and suspicion for many people. The event is not only of special interest to the domestic media and people but has also attracted the attention of international public opinion.

According to PLO