Typhoon No. 16 Triggers Floods in 5 Cambodian Provinces, Affecting Over 7,000 Households

Cambodia is currently experiencing floods in five provinces—Kratie, Kampong Thom, Tbong Khmum, Kampong Cham, and Battambang—due to the influence of Typhoon No. 16, Surigae. Approximately 7,139 households have been affected, with damage reported to 7,088 homes and 2,205 hectares of rice fields. Authorities are urging residents to exercise caution regarding heavy rainfall, strong winds, lightning, and rising water levels in certain areas. Sut Kimkulmuni, spokesperson for the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM), stated on September 25th that the disaster is caused by Typhoon No. 16, Surigae, which is expected to impact Cambodia from September 24th to 30th. He noted that areas in the plains, highlands, and coastal regions may experience rain accompanied by strong winds and lightning, while coastal areas could face high waves, necessitating increased vigilance from the public. According to the NCDM's report on weather and hydrological conditions as of September 24th, Koh Kong province recorded the highest rainfall in the preceding 24 hours, with 165 millimeters in Kirisakor district. This was followed by Kampong Cham province with 127 millimeters in Cheung Prey district, Tbong Khmum province with 105 millimeters, Banteay Meanchey province with 101 millimeters in Ou Chrov district, and Siem Reap province with 99.4 millimeters in Srei Snam district. Regarding the impact, Tbong Khmum province has been the most severely affected, with approximately 6,755 households impacted and 1,651 families evacuated. Kampong Thom province reported 239 affected households and 1,009 hectares of rice fields affected, while Kampong Cham had 97 affected households and 110 hectares of rice fields affected. Kratie had 48 affected households and 37 hectares of rice fields affected. In Battambang city, authorities have decided to close traffic across the Sangke River bridge due to a significant rise in water levels following several days of continuous heavy rainfall. As of the afternoon of September 25th, the Sangke River's water level has risen sharply. The water level of the Sen River in Kampong Thom province has reached 13.64 meters, exceeding the alert level of 13.50 meters by 0.14 meters, though it has receded by 0.08 meters compared to the previous day. In Kampong Chhnang, the Anlong Chrey dam holds water at 3.10 meters, above the alert level of 3 meters, while the Lomhach dam is at 3 meters, nearing the alert level of 3.50 meters. However, water levels in the Mekong River at most major stations are either receding or are expected to remain below alert levels. The NCDM emphasized that while the overall situation has not yet reached a critical stage, residents should continue to monitor weather conditions and water levels, particularly in Kampong Thom province and other areas experiencing high rainfall, due to the possibility of scattered and localized heavy downpours. The NCDM continues to closely monitor the disaster situation to take necessary measures as required. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local