21 Oct 2021 | 02:57 AM UTC
Cambodia: Adverse weather forecast nationwide through at least Oct. 26
Heavy thunderstorms, strong winds, landslides, and large waves forecast across Cambodia through at least Oct. 26. Disruptions possible.
Event
Thunderstorms, strong winds, large waves, landslides, and flooding are forecast across Cambodia through at least Oct. 26. The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology in Cambodia has issued orange (second-highest level on a four-tier scale) warnings for thunderstorms across portions of Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Kampong Cham, Kampong Speu, Kampot, Kandal, Kep, Koh Kong, Kratie, Mondulkiri, Oddar Meanchey, Pailin, Phnom Penh, Preah Sihanouk, Prey Veng, Pursat, Ratanakiri, Svay Rieng, Takeo, and Tbong Khmum provinces. Additionally, yellow thunderstorm warnings are in place across the remainder of the affected area. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
As of early Oct. 21, reports indicate flooding in Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, and Ratanakiri provinces. Authorities have evacuated almost 7,000 people from Ratanakiri Province. Around 20 families remain in shelters in Banteay Meanchey Province, as most evacuees have returned home after floodwaters have receded.
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. A portion of the National Road 76 in Chey Uddom commune, Lumphat District, Ratanakiri Province is closed to traffic due to flooding. 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.
