Cambodia Floods Worsen in 4 Provinces, Affecting Over 7,000 Households

Cambodia is grappling with an escalating flood situation as the second wave of heavy rainfall impacts several provinces. As of September 25, 2023, four provinces—Kratié, Kampong Thom, Tboung Khmum, and Kampong Cham—have reported significant damage. The floods have affected a total of 14 districts and 46 communes, impacting 7,139 households, inundating 7,088 homes, and submerging 2,205 hectares of rice fields. Additionally, 1,651 families have been evacuated. Specifically, Tboung Khmum province has seen 6,755 households affected, with 1,651 families evacuated and 1,049 hectares of rice fields submerged. In Kampong Cham, 97 households have been impacted, and 110 hectares of rice fields flooded. Kratié province reports 48 affected households and 37 hectares of rice fields damaged. Kampong Thom province has 239 households affected and 1,009 hectares of rice fields inundated. Soth Kim Koulmony, spokesperson for the National Committee for Disaster Management, stated that the overall flood situation has not yet reached a critical stage, as water levels on the Mekong River at most key stations remain below warning levels and are showing signs of receding or stabilizing. However, scattered but intense rainfall continues. Notably, the water level of the Stung Sen River in Kampong Thom has already surpassed the warning level, necessitating continued monitoring, particularly in Kampong Thom and areas experiencing high rainfall. Technical officials from the National Committee for Disaster Management are closely monitoring the evolving disaster situation. According to forecasts from the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, Tropical Storm "Surigae" is expected to influence the Kingdom of Cambodia from September 24 to September 30, 2023. This weather pattern is predicted to bring rain mixed with strong winds, thunderstorms, and high sea waves to lowland, highland, and coastal provinces. The public is urged to exercise extreme caution regarding these meteorological phenomena. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local