Cambodia: Flooding kills at least seven people as of September 12

Event

Significant flooding in northern Cambodia has affected almost 46,000 families as of Thursday, September 12. On Tuesday, September 10, a spokesman for the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) confirmed that at least seven people have been killed and almost 6,900 families have had to evacuate their homes. Areas along the Stung Sen River have been particularly affected, including Preah Vihear province where farmers have lost livestock and crops. Roads in Stung Treng, Kratie, Kampong Cham, and Tbong Khmum provinces have also been submerged or damaged by the flooding, causing transportation disruptions throughout the region. According to government officials, damage assessments are still ongoing but both national and provincial roads have been affected. National Roads 3 and 33 connecting Kampot and Kep provinces will reportedly be prioritized for repairs ahead of upcoming major events in the coming months.

According to forecasts from the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, rains will continue until Sunday, September 15. Additional flooding is expected in the coming days, along with associated transportation and business disruptions.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions before setting out, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, and remember that running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.