Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri Authorities Urge High Alert Amid Rising Water Levels

Authorities in Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri provinces have issued urgent warnings to residents living along rivers and waterways due to rising water levels caused by continuous rainfall. Citizens are urged to exercise extreme caution and prepare for potential flash floods and landslides. The Department of Water Resources and Meteorology in Ratanakiri has notified about the increasing water levels of the Sesan and Sre Pok rivers, warning of potential flooding in areas, especially those inhabited by communities along the riverbanks. The department indicated that the influence of the monsoon low pressure system is expected to be strong over Ratanakiri province from September 9 to September 18, potentially leading to heavy rainfall. As of September 9, the water level at the Kachoun station on the Sesan River, which has a warning level of 8.50 meters, stood at 5.00 meters at 6 AM on September 9 and rose to 5.10 meters by 6 AM on September 10, an increase of 0.10 meters. On the Sre Pok River at the Lumphat station, with a warning level of 12.50 meters, the water level was 10.813 meters at 6 AM on September 10 and increased to 11.243 meters by 12 PM the same day, a rise of 0.43 meters in approximately six hours. On September 11, the situation remained overcast with drizzling rain and strong winds during rainfall, as water levels in rivers and streams continued to rise. The ongoing heavy rainfall suggests that water levels may continue to increase, posing a flood risk. Mr. Sei Touch, Governor of Koh Nhek District in Mondulkiri, informed "Kampuchea Thmey" that the district's unified command is closely monitoring the water and rainfall situation in the locality, especially during the rainy season, to prepare for timely rescue operations in case of natural disasters. The governor added that in the event of a disaster, the district administration, in conjunction with the police and gendarmerie, is ready to deploy approximately 80 personnel along with rescue equipment such as boats, canoes, life jackets, and other necessary materials for timely rescue operations. Authorities in both provinces are advising residents to regularly follow weather news and official announcements from the authorities. They are also urged to take preventive measures in advance to protect their lives, property, and livestock in case of rapid water level increases or flash floods. Parents and guardians are particularly advised to pay close attention to their children and avoid letting them play in or travel through areas with strong currents, which could pose a life-threatening risk.