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Cambodia: 71 Households Affected by Major Mekong Riverbank Collapse; Authorities Plan Restoration
A major riverbank collapse along the Mekong River in Cambodia's Kampong Cham province has affected 71 households. Spanning approximately 13 kilometers, the incident has prompted authorities to plan restoration efforts during the dry season. Relief aid has been distributed to those impacted.
In Srey Sothorn District, Kampong Cham Province, a major riverbank collapse along the Mekong River has affected 71 households, with 42 homes requiring relocation. This was stated by H.E. Un Chantha, the Provincial Governor, during a ceremony on the morning of September 19, 2026, at the Russey Soke School in Srey Sothorn District, where aid was distributed to families impacted by the riverbank collapse. H.E. the Governor mentioned that whenever a disaster strikes, H.E. Bavou Thipadei and H.E. Net Savoeun, the Chairman of the Working Group for Kampong Cham Province, always prioritize and are concerned with intervening to assist citizens. Specifically, 23 households affected by the riverbank collapse have received aid to help manage their family livelihoods. H.E. Un Chantha further stated that Srey Sothorn District has been impacted twice. One instance involved riverbank collapses in the communes of Káoh Andet, Russey Soke, and Prek Pou. Conversely, the communes of Khnar Sa and Svay Pou faced water shortages, affecting approximately 500 hectares of rice fields. However, through the intervention of irrigation systems and rainfall, the crops have begun to recover. The collapse in Russey Soke was attributed to natural factors, specifically the prolonged growth of an island in the middle of the river, causing water currents to strike residential areas, leading to the collapse. Regarding the collapsed riverbank locations, approximately 1200 meters in the communes of Káoh Andet and Russey Soke are scheduled for repair by engineering forces during the upcoming low-water season. Mr. Uk Sinoun, the village chief of Káoh Koat Village, aged 79, shared that his wooden house, measuring 6 meters by 13 meters and built over 30 years ago, was situated more than 300 meters from the riverbank in Káoh Andet Commune, Srey Sothorn District. However, the natural disaster caused the bank to collapse close to his home in 2026, necessitating the relocation of his house 700 meters away. He expressed his happiness and gratitude upon receiving aid from H.E. Bavou Thipadei, viewing it as a sign of the attention from authorities at all levels. Source: Koh Santepheap Khmer
Original source
Koh Santepheap Khmer