Conditions in Preah Sihanouk province’s Kampong Seila district on Sept 27. - FB
PHNOM PENH (The Phnom Penh Post/Asia News Network): Continuous rainfall over the past few days has resulted in flash floods affecting several provinces in Cambodia, causing disruption but not harming lives, according to Soth Kim Kolmony, spokesperson for the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM).
Kim Kolmony stated on Wednesday (Sept 27) that the incessant rain caused abrupt water surges in provinces including Kampong Thom, Preah Vihear, Kratie and Tbong Khmum, impacting 23 towns and districts and 77 communes. Over 8,473 families have been affected, with authorities evacuating 314 families to safer areas.
The rising waters have affected 2,655 houses and 5,044 hectares of rice paddies.
In response, Kun Kim, president of the NCDM, visited the affected Kampong Thom province and instructed the relevant authorities to act promptly in rescue efforts, prioritising people’s lives.
"People who are affected by flash floods have moved to safe places or their farms to avoid danger,” provincial governor Nguon Ratanak stated.
During his inspection of the situation in Prasat Sambor district on Sept 27, Ratanak said that four districts, including Stoung, Prasat Sambor, Sandan and Baray, were grappling with overflow. They’ve impacted people's rice fields, houses and road infrastructure, with some schools being suspended. He noted that students are continuing their education in cluster houses until the water recedes.
"On behalf of the provincial authorities, I would like to call on all citizens to be more vigilant and maintain good hygiene. Please follow NCDM’s information by dialling the number 1294 to get timely updates about the situation,” Ratanak said.
In Preah Sihanouk province, the water level had risen to 0.6m between kilometres 153 and 154 along National Road 4, located in Stung Chhay commune’s Stung Chhay Khang Tbong village in the Kampong Seila district, according to a social media post by provincial governor Kuoch Chamroeun on Sept 27.
To ensure travellers' safety, the provincial administration temporarily halted traffic on that section, recommending the use of detours or the Phnom Penh-Preah Sihanouk Expressway. The authority also declared that section of road unsafe for travelling and prohibited traffic until further notice.
In Kampot province, continuous rainfall raised the water level at the Kamchay Hydroelectric station to 148.7m on Sept 26, the provincial Disaster Management Committee reported.
Khuth Usaphea, director of the Kampot provincial administration, stated that the dam was full, necessitating the slow release of water.
"The maximum water level is 150m, but once it reaches 149m we need to slowly release water. As of now, no one in the province has been injured by flash flooding,” Usaphea stated.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant, follow official information and ensure their personal safety as authorities continue to monitor and respond to the situation.
