Cambodia: Poipet City Faces Flooding, Police Bolster Rescue and Evacuation Efforts

In Banteay Meanchey Province, Cambodia, authorities are bolstering rescue and evacuation efforts in Poipet City as heavy rainfall causes widespread flooding. Colonel Soeum Sarith, the Provincial Police Commissioner, has ordered police forces to be on standby for immediate operations to protect security, order, and the safety of residents affected by the torrential downpours. On September 22, 2026, Colonel Soeum Sarith dispatched forces led by Colonel Paoun Seha, commander of the 891st Border Defense Infantry Battalion, to areas near the border in Poipet City. These areas, including Ou Chrov, Kbal Spean, and Borey Thmey villages, are currently experiencing significant inundation due to the heavy rains. The police operations are primarily focused on advising residents to remain vigilant, monitor water levels, and prepare for potential rescue and evacuation if the floodwaters rise further. Concurrently, security forces are tasked with ensuring all necessary equipment, transportation, and personnel are ready for timely intervention. Colonel Soeum Sarith emphasized that preventive measures, disaster response, and rescue operations are paramount duties of the police force in ensuring the security, order, and safety of citizens facing natural disaster risks. In cases of severe flooding, police units are to be prepared to evacuate residents to higher ground or safe locations, and to assist in protecting and salvating property and livestock as feasible. The Commissioner issued strict orders to all police units, particularly the four infantry battalions and the nine district/municipal police inspectorates, to maintain constant readiness and to execute rapid rescue operations during emergencies. He underscored the critical importance of prioritizing vulnerable groups, including the elderly, disabled individuals, the sick, pregnant women, and young children, to prevent and mitigate potential risks. Alongside the deployment of intervention forces, Colonel Soeum Sarith urged citizens residing along rivers, streams, low-lying areas, and other flood-prone locations to heighten their awareness and regularly monitor water conditions. He advised that in situations where life or property is at risk, residents should immediately report to local authorities, law enforcement, or the nearest security forces to ensure prompt intervention and rescue. These preparatory and rescue operations by the Banteay Meanchey Provincial Police demonstrate a strong commitment to public safety amidst the flooding challenges in parts of Poipet City, adhering to the principle of prioritizing human lives, ensuring timely evacuations, and minimizing the impact on the populace.