Cambodia: Nearly 1,000 Disasters in 8 Months, Over 200 Casualties

According to figures released by the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM), a total of 977 natural disasters, including fires, tornadoes, and lightning strikes, occurred in Cambodia during the first eight months of this year (January to August). These incidents resulted in 217 deaths or injuries and affected 8,512 homes. Soth Kimkullmony, spokesperson for the NCDM, stated on September 13 that fires accounted for 585 incidents, destroying 605 houses, 61 market stalls, 31 warehouses, one school, 19 small factories, and 16 administrative buildings. Fourteen people died and 67 were injured in these fires. Tornadoes occurred 309 times, causing 435 houses to collapse and damaging the roofs of 7,459 houses. Additionally, 61 schools, 11 market stalls, and 26 administrative buildings were affected. Twelve people died and 34 were injured due to tornadoes. Lightning strikes, numbering 83, impacted 13 houses, led to 52 fatalities, 38 injuries, and the death of 62 livestock. Soth Kimkullmony further noted that these figures represent an increase compared to the same eight-month period last year. In the first eight months of 2025, there were 945 disasters, including fires, tornadoes, and lightning strikes, which caused 215 deaths or injuries and affected 7,437 homes. Last year, fires totaled 618 incidents, destroying 581 houses, 68 market stalls, 24 warehouses, 12 small factories, and 12 administrative buildings, resulting in 24 deaths and 93 injuries. Tornadoes occurred 247 times, leading to the collapse of 433 houses and roof damage to 6,405 others. Forty-one schools, 26 market stalls, and 18 administrative buildings were also affected, with 9 deaths and 32 injuries. Lightning strikes numbered 80, impacting 18 houses, causing 35 deaths, 57 injuries, and the death of 71 livestock. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local