The Preah Sihanouk and Koh Kong provincial administrations have instructed authorities to warn people not to cross the sea or fish, as the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology has issued a warning for bad weather July 11-14.
In an audio message, Preah Sihanouk provincial governor Kouch Chamroeun ordered a ban on ferry trips to the coastal islands over the four-day period, to eliminate the risk of a maritime disaster.
Chamroeun urged authorities to pay close attention to protecting the lives of tourists, fishermen, and the general public.
“Please enforce a ban on all boat trips to the islands during this time, in order to avoid any catastrophes. Please use all means possible to warn any fishing vessels that may already be present in the open sea,” he said.
The Koh Kong Provincial Administration also issued weather warnings to all fishermen and tour boat operators.
“Due to the foul weather, tourists and fishermen should not go to sea from July 11-14 to avoid a tragedy occurring,” it said in a notice.
The ministry announced on July 11 that after monitoring a series of climatic developments, it had observed Thailand’s prolonged low-pressure – the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone, or ITCZ – had linked to an active low pressure system in the South China Sea. Combined with strong southwest monsoons over the coast and southern parts of Cambodia, it would bring widespread scattered rain mixed with thunder and lightning and strong winds.
“On July 11-14, the coastal areas will have continuous rain, which may cause some parts of Koh Kong and Preah Sihanouk provinces to experience flash flooding. At the same time, there will be heavy rain on the sea, strong winds and high waves,” it said.
The ministry urges the public to be extra vigilant to avoid any possible accidents.
