Thousands of salmon found dead as Canada drought dries out river

British Columbia’s western coasts have seen little rain over the past five weeks and several regions are in drought level four. Photograph: Handout

Tens of thousands of dead wild salmon scattered along a creek bed are the latest casualty of a drought that has gripped the province of British Columbia for more than a month and left communities bracing for more devastation.

In a video clip posted to social media, the carcasses of pink and chum salmon are seen piled near the community of Bella Bella.