Cambodia's Water Resources and Meteorology Ministry yesterday issued a flood warning for Phnom Penh and several provinces as a low pressure system sweeps across the country starting today.

Ministry spokesman Lem Keanhor said that between June 20 and 27 the country – particularly low-lying regions – would be inundated with heavy rain, while coastal areas would see strong winds.

The warning applies to Kampong Speu, Kandal, Prey Veng, Takeo, Svay Rieng, Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Tbong Khmum, Kampong Cham and Kratie provinces. The director of the ministry’s Meteorology Department said areas near mountains and National Road 4 in Koh Kong province were especially vulnerable.

Much of Kampot was flooded last September when the floodgates of Kamchay Hydropower Dam were opened to deal with rains that threatened to overwhelm the plant. Yesterday, Kampot Deputy Governor Heng Vutha said improvements in drainage should prevent a repeat of the incident, noting the dam was only half full due to the recent drought.