Cambodia Enhances Dam Safety Checks Amid Heavy Rains

Cambodia is reinforcing safety measures at key reservoirs in response to continuous heavy rainfall. On the afternoon of September 13, 2026, Pang Vey, Director of the Directorate of Agricultural Irrigation and representing the Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology, inspected the water situation at the '30 September' reservoir in Kampong Thom province. The surrounding areas and upstream Preah Vihear province have been experiencing consecutive days of rain. The inspection was attended by Say Kimlom, Governor of Stueng District, and technical officials from the Kampong Thom Provincial Department of Water Resources and Meteorology. Pang Vey noted that the continuous rainfall in the upper regions has caused a rapid rise in the reservoir's water level. He instructed technical officials and relevant authorities to increase their attention to regularly monitor and inspect the dam's infrastructure to ensure the safety and integrity of the entire structure. Furthermore, he requested cooperation from local authorities to disseminate information and appeal to citizens who have built stalls and shops along the dam's slopes to dismantle them urgently. This is to facilitate the technical team's patrol, inspection of the dam's condition, timely response to any incidents, and intervention to prevent various risks. This initiative highlights the Cambodian government's commitment to prioritizing public safety, particularly in managing infrastructure vulnerabilities during the rainy season. Proactive inspection and management are crucial, as dam breaches can lead to widespread flood damage.