Officials inspect flooded rice fields in Kampong Thom province last July. Kampong Thom administration
In the first eight months of the year, 69 people were killed by lightning strikes, fires and adverse weather conditions, according to the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM).
The committee launched its National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024-2028 earlier this week, with Kun Kim, first vice-president of the NCDM noting that many countries in the region and around the world are exposed to risks caused by both natural causes and human factors.
In 2024, floods affected over 20,000 families, and had resulted in two deaths as of August 20. In addition, 25,563 hectares of rice crops were impacted, with 10,538 hectares destroyed. Another 1,896 hectares of other crops were also damaged, while more than 165 kilometres of roads were affected by the floodwaters.
As Kim addressed the launch of the action plan, he warned that each year, Cambodia faces many dangers, such as floods, droughts, strong winds, lightning strikes, riverbank collapses, fires and epidemics.
“The effects of climate change are increasing the frequency and impact of these disasters, which requires our attention... We consider disaster management an important part of poverty reduction and support for sustainable development,” he said.
He added that the government provided an immediate response, distributing rice seeds and food supplies to the families whose crops were damaged or destroyed.
Over the first eight months of this year, over 600 serious fires were recorded. They damaged 624 homes and 120 market stalls, and resulted in the deaths of 15 people, and injuries to an additional 45. Phnom Penh had the highest number of incidents, with 102 cases noted. It was followed by Battambang province with 64 and Siem Reap province with 41, according to the NCDM.
During the same period, 241 severe storms were recorded, with strong winds flattening 482 houses and damaging the roofs of 3,800 others. These incidents resulted in four deaths and 32 injuries.
Also concerning was the number of lightning strikes. The 94 documented strikes killed 50 people and injured 43 others.
Siem Reap recorded the highest number, with 14 strikes. They resulted in eight fatalities, more than any other province.
Ly Vannak, director of the Siem Reap Provincial Administration, told The Post that the province's geographical location near the Tonle Sap Lake is a major factor which contributes to the frequency of lightning strikes. However, the local authorities regularly educate the public and raise awareness of the issue.
“In the area around the Tonle Sap Lake, lightning strikes are common. Natural disasters are difficult to prevent, but we strive to educate and find ways to reduce the loss of life. We have raised public awareness about the dangers of lightning,” he said, on September 3.
The NCDM also shared flood statistics for the previous five years, noting that in the past five years, flooding has affected more than 1.5 million Cambodian families,
The floods impacted 1,570,619 families and damaged 862,894 hectares of rice crops, along with 596 schools. In addition to the loss of life and destruction of homes, livestock and property they disrupted people’s livelihoods, added the committee.
