Cambodia: Adverse weather forecast across portions of northern, eastern, and coastal Cambodia through at least Sept. 15

Event

Thunderstorms, strong winds, and possible flooding are forecast across portions of northern, eastern, and coastal Cambodia through at least Sept. 15. The affected area includes Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom, Kratie, Koh Kong, Mondulkiri, Oddar Meanchey, Pailin, Preah Sihanouk, Preah Vihear, Ratanakkiri, Siem Reap, Stung Treng, and Tbong Khmum provinces.

Authorities have issued orange-level warnings for thunderstorms across portions of Kratie, Koh Kong, Mondulkiri, Preah Sihanouk, Ratanakkiri, and Stung Treng provinces. Orange-level warnings for strong winds and large waves are in place across Koh Kong and Preah Sihanouk provinces. Additionally, yellow-level thunderstorm warnings are in place for the rest of the affected area. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

In Preah Vihear Province, at least four roads have been damaged by the heavy rain. Repair efforts are set to commence after the rain abates and floodwaters recede. In Banteay Meanchey Province, the Mongkul Borei River is in danger of flooding. Its water levels are high and still rising. Further rainfall could cause the river to overflow. Authorities might declare a state of emergency in Soeur, Chamnom, Rohat Teuk, and Bot Trang communes, located along the river's upper reaches. Malai and Mongkul Borey districts have also reported extensive flooding.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the Gulf of Thailand if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not fully operate because of flood damage to facilities and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Department of Meteorology