This, in turn, led to an outbreak of malaria which drove away additional locals who had not initially been displaced by the project. Even after the lake filled to full pool, and for some time thereafter, it was red and muddy from erosion along the clay shoreline.
The construction of the lake resulted in an outbreak of malaria, which drove away additional residents who hadn't been initially displaced.  Even after the lake was filled and for a while afterwards, its water remained reddish-brown from erosion along the clay banks.