Cambodia: Planned dam water release displaces thousands in Stung Treng

Event

As of Friday, February 2, the planned release of floodwaters from a recently operational dam had displaced thousands of people from five villages in Stung Treng province in recent weeks. According to the International Rivers activist group, the dam's ongoing operation and associated flooding in adjacent areas is expected to displace at least 5000 people from nearby settlements. Additionally, environmental activist groups have asserted that the dam project will have deleterious effects on fisheries and wildlife.

Context

The Lower Sesan 2 Dam is a joint hydropower project undertaken by China's Hydrolancang International Energy Company and Cambodia's Royal Group. The dam took years to construct and began operations in November 2017.

Advice

Individuals in Stung Treng province are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the recently flooded areas near the dam, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.​