Cambodia Drought Impacts Over 300,000 Hectares of Crops, 17,000+ Heavily Damaged

The National Committee for Disaster Management has reported that drought from January to August this year has impacted over 300,000 hectares of rice and mixed crops nationwide. Of this, more than 17,000 hectares have suffered irreparable damage. Suth Kimkullmony, spokesperson for the committee, stated on September 11 that as of August, drought conditions were present in nine provinces and the capital: Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Svay Rieng, Kampong Cham, and Pailin. These conditions affected a total of 301,714 hectares of crops. Rice cultivation accounted for 251,858 hectares (9.01% of the planted area), with 118,525 hectares being rescued and 14,552 hectares damaged. Mixed crops supporting the economy covered 49,860 hectares (6.15% of the planted area), with 3,221 hectares damaged. Mr. Suth explained that this year's drought was caused by the indirect influence of regional storms, leading to scattered and insufficient rainfall in many areas. This resulted in water shortages for rice and mixed crops in the aforementioned provinces. However, he added that in August, significant rainfall occurred due to the influence of nine consecutive regional storms. This rainfall helped to restore crops that were facing water scarcity. With continuous intervention and rescue efforts from relevant ministries and local authorities, approximately 95% of the cultivated land has reportedly been restored.