Like past flooding, quite a bit of this disaster seems to be man made. Although water hyacinth is a prolific invasive species, it grows better when fed. Sources say waste from human activity provides ample fertilizer for their growth. Also, they don't grow overnight, which means this problem had been building up over some time.
Considering the massive overgrowth, I'd think the waters were polluted and the local authorities failed to notice something happening in their own back yard. Given that scenario, an anti pollution drive along with regular harvesting could have saved some grief. At the very least, local officials could have asked if the plants can become a problem. Surely, someone saw them.
What compounds the tragedy is that Water Hyacinth is also considered one of the most productive plants in the world. Look at the references to see the products made from it. Here's a sampler:
- Biomass Energy
- Bags
- Sandals
- Paper
- Charcoal Briquettes
- Fibreboard
The plant can actually provide the town with energy, clothe the people and provide them shelter... and they can get a handbag as a bonus. So why didn't the people just harvest the stuff themselves and make money? I suspect no one told them what can be done. If they were told, I suspect no one gave them business support.
References:
http://practicalaction.org/practicalanswers/product_info.php?products_id=189
http://bcb722.blogspot.com/2007/01/water-hyacinths-threatens-south.html
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