Cambodia Faces Severe Drought Affecting Over 100,000 Hectares of Rice Due to El Niño

Sut Kim Kolmuni, spokesperson for the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM), stated on the afternoon of July 22 that drought caused by the El Niño phenomenon has affected seven provinces in Cambodia, impacting over 108,664 hectares of rice cultivation. While Battambang province (62,554 hectares) and Banteay Meanchey province (7,092 hectares) have experienced the most significant impacts, timely interventions by authorities have prevented severe damage so far. According to Kolmuni, other affected provinces include Kampong Thom (191 hectares), Siem Reap (19,503 hectares), Ratanakiri (4,200 hectares), Kampong Cham (63 hectares, with 22 hectares damaged), and Pursat (19,309 hectares). Rice crops in Ratanakiri and Pursat are showing signs of recovery due to subsequent rainfall. In Kampong Cham, 22 hectares of rice in Ta Pruhk commune, Chamkar Leu district, were damaged. The primary cause of the drought is attributed to reduced rainfall during the wet season due to El Niño and low water levels in reservoirs. While recent localized heavy rains have caused flash floods and infrastructure damage in some areas, they have also aided in rescuing rice crops, particularly in Battambang. However, water scarcity remains a concern in several regions. The NCDM has instructed authorities at all levels to intervene and provide timely assistance to citizens affected by the drought, with particular attention to provinces far from water sources. Kolmuni expressed concern that the onset of the dry season and the continued influence of El Niño could lead to prolonged high temperatures and water shortages for agriculture. Relevant ministries have prepared rice and vegetable seeds to assist farmers affected by drought or potential future floods. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local