Cambodia Prepares for Water Shortages Amid El Niño, Inspects Irrigation Systems

Cambodia's Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology is strengthening water resource management in Kratie province in preparation for the prolonged dry season and rising temperatures caused by El Niño. On July 21, 2026, Run Thoeun, Undersecretary of State and Head of the Working Group for Water Resources and Meteorology Coordination in Kratie Province, inspected the province's irrigation systems and mobile pumps. The inspection focused on four key areas: 1. Confirmation that five 65-horsepower mobile pumps are ready for intervention during the dry season. 2. The repair status of the Kampong Reang Floating Pumping Station No. 4 in Sralau village, Sralau commune. 3. The repair status of the Kampong Reang Floating Pumping Station No. 3 in Pong village, Sralau commune. 4. The status of the Seda Dam irrigation system in Bous Lav village, Chitr Borei district. Amidst the prolonged dry season and rising temperatures due to El Niño, the Kratie Provincial Department of Water Resources and Meteorology has completed its intervention preparations. Concurrently, Deputy Minister Run Thoeun instructed the relevant departments to publicize notifications to the public, advising agricultural communities to suspend non-planned rice cultivation and use water sparingly. He also urged them to maintain water levels in reservoirs and prepare pumps for timely rice rescue in case of water shortages.