The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology said on February 18 that Cambodia has not yet had harmful levels of ultraviolet radiation (UV) despite neighbouring countries – such as Vietnam, especially in Ho Chi Min City and some southern provinces – suffering from a dangerous UV index increase.

On February 17, the Cambodian embassy in Vietnam notified military and police trainees and Cambodians residing in Vietnam to be careful and take precautionary measures to mitigate the effects of UV through exposure to sunlight.

“From February 17-19, the UV radiation index will rise to a level that poses risks to those exposed – a rating of 10 in Ho Chi Minh, Nha Trang, Can Tho and Ca Mau Cities,” the embassy said.

It said that in Thua Thien Hue province and Danang city the index will rise to risk level 8. UV radiation exposure is at its peak from 11am to 1pm.

“UV radiation index of 8-10 indicates radiation that passes through clouds and glass and can cause sunburn in 25 minutes. An index of 11 or over indicates a very strong UV radiation level that can damage the skin and eyes in 15 minutes if they are exposed to direct sunlight,” the notice said.

The embassy also called on all Cambodian people in Vietnam to protect their health by wearing thick clothes and face, neck and ear coverings as well as sunglasses to protect against the sunlight.

The embassy recommended that anyone who must go out in the sun apply sunscreen lotion to their skin, drink a lot of water and take Vitamin C.

The ministry said Cambodia’s thermal index numbers are currently as low as 1-4.

“Our country has not yet had a severe impact from UV effects this year or acid rain, but we will continue to monitor the situation,” it said.