Khuth Usaphea, Kampot provincial administration director, announced that the release of water from the Kamchay hydroelectric station was a precautionary measure by the Kampot provincial Disaster Management Committee (KPDGMC).

He emphasised that the action was taken to prevent dangerous water pressure and poses no risk to the public.

“When the water level at the station hits between 147 and 149 metres, it’s mandatory to release the water.

“Holding it at 150 metres would result in extreme pressure,” he said.

It was reported that the water level at the hydroelectric station was at 147.95 metres, with a flow rate of 758.3 metres per second.

According to Usaphea, the KPDGMC consulted with the hydro plant before deciding to release the excess water into the ocean. A team opened a two-metre-high sluice gate to relieve the pressure later that evening.

“We had to avoid reaching dangerous water storage levels,” he added.

He explained that while the dam could operate at higher pressure levels, maintaining them could endanger local communities.

He noted that the provincial administration issued an alert on September 4 to make residents aware of the situation, and claimed that no issues had arisen to date.

The statement followed a forecast from the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, which warned that Cambodia would experience moderate to heavy rainfall from a September 4-10 low-pressure system, which was accompanied by a moderate southwest monsoon.

The weather conditions could bring thunder, lightning and strong winds to coastal areas.