Mekong Riverbank Collapse in Kampong Cham Forces Evacuations, Restoration Plans Underway

In Ruessei Sok village, Srey Santhor district, Kampong Cham province, Cambodia, a severe riverbank collapse along the Mekong River has led to the dismantling of dozens of residents' homes. On the 13th, Provincial Governor Aun Chanda, accompanied by colleagues, inspected the site, witnessing firsthand the difficult situation faced by the residents. Provincial authorities have pledged to commence embankment repair work after the water recedes next year (2027). Ms. Seng Sreymom, 65, a resident of Ruessei Sok village for 65 years, stated that the riverbank, which was once 500-600 meters from her house, has gradually collapsed during each rainy season, eventually reaching very close to her home. She described sleepless nights filled with fear that her house would be swallowed by the river. With the intervention of local authorities, her two wooden houses were dismantled over a week, leaving only the stone staircase. Household belongings were moved with the help of villagers and officials to temporary shelters on land approximately 100 meters away from the original site. This area, once home to hundreds of families, has lost over 500 meters of land due to the collapse, forcing many residents to relocate to other provinces, significantly reducing the current population. Provincial Governor Aun Chanda announced that under the attention of the provincial authorities, relevant departments, and with the approval of the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, embankment repairs will be carried out in 2027 after the water recedes. The repair areas include Preah Andong commune and Kang Meas district in Stueng Trang district, as well as Ruessei Sok village in Srey Santhor district. Specifically, the plan involves installing giant sandbags along a 600-meter stretch of the embankment to prevent further collapse and protect residents' homes and schools. Source: Koh Santepheap Khmer