The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology issued flood warnings for residents of the central lowlands, Dangrek Mountain range and northeast highlands.

“Moderate to high rain levels are forecast to fall in these areas from August 12 to 18,” it said.

The heavy storms are the result of low-pressure monsoons making their way to Jangmi on the Korean Peninsula and Mekkhala on the South China Sea off Taiwan.

The low-pressure systems will cause rain and strong winds, according to the ministry’s forecast.

Oddar Meanchey Provincial Hall spokesman Chea Piseth told The Post that in the meantime, the water level in the Boeung Tamok (lake) had decreased by 10cm compared to Monday.

“Some houses will be flooded if there is continuous rainfall as predicted,” he said.

Piseth said provincial and local authorities are preparing shelters for those whose homes are flooded.

In drought-stricken Mongkol Borei district, Banteay Meanchey province, residents were more sanguine about the forecast.

Its district governor Roth Da Sinong told The Post that the drought this year has the district facing water shortages for daily use and that 70 per cent of the rice crops cultivated on over 50,000ha are in danger.

“Until now, there have been just two major rainstorms. Our farmers will be happy if there is more rain this week as predicted,” said Sinong.

Chea Ty, a representative for farmers living in Soeu commune told The Post that after recent rains, the Mongkol Borei River is half full and there is water in some canals.

“We need rain to rescue our land. We want major rains three or four more times so there will be water in the river and canal systems to enable us to plant rice crops a second time and restore the damage,” he said.

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