28 Oct 2021 | 07:56 AM UTC
Cambodia: Adverse weather forecast across southern regions through at least Nov. 2
Heavy rain, thunderstorms, and flooding forecast across southern Cambodia through at least Nov. 2. Disruptions possible.
Event
Thunderstorms, heavy rain, and flooding are forecast across southern Cambodia through at least Nov. 2. The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology in Cambodia has issued yellow (second-highest level on a four-tier scale) thunderstorm warnings across Phnom Penh Autonomous Municipality as well as Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Speu, Kampot, Kandal, Kep, Preah Sihanouk, Prey Veng, Takeo, Tbong Khmum, and Svay Rieng provinces. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
As of Oct. 28, more than 3,000 families in Dangkor and Kambol districts in Phnom Penh have been affected by the floods with at least 2,963 houses flooded. Some residents in Dangkao District evacuated when the water levels in the Stung Prek Tnaot rose. Around 1,000 of the evacuated families have built temporary shelters along the Seven Makara Dam.
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 the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. 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 operate at full capacity 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.
