A man watches motorists ride through heavy rains in Bak Kheng commune of Phnom Penh’s Chroy Changvar district on Monday. Hong Menea
This week could see more rain-induced floods in parts of lowland areas, according to a weather forecast by the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology on August 31.
The ministry said Cambodia will be affected by the Indian low pressure system, and from September 2-7 sea winds will further affect weather conditions.
“Some provinces in the central lowlands and those close to the Dangrek Mountain range and northeast highlands are likely to receive moderate to heavy rain with thunderstorms. There may be flooding in some areas,” it said.
In coastal areas, there may be moderate to heavy rain with thunderstorms, while the sea, especially near islands, will experience choppy conditions.
The ministry reminded the public to beware of natural phenomena that might occur during storms.
On August 24, Preah Sihanouk province was hit by flash floods that caused the death of at least one Chinese man.
The ministry told Preah Sihanouk and other provincial authorities from the central lowlands to the Dangrek Mountains and northeast highlands to continue warning people to take precautions and urged relevant units to respond immediately in case of floods.
Preah Sihanouk Provincial Hall spokesman Kheang Phearom told The Post on August 31 that his province was ready for any emergency involving floods.
“At this time, we continue to repair, improve drainage systems and dig some major canals in areas prone to flooding to facilitate faster drainage and reduce rain-induced flood,” he said.
In the northwestern province of Battambang, Phnom Proek district governor Song Sopheak said there was heavy rain on the afternoon of August 30 but no flooding. He said he had led a team to inspect Buor commune, which is most vulnerable to floods, in order to warn people to be vigilant.
“Buor commune in Phnom Proek district is the area most affected by floods if there is heavy rain for several days in a row,” he said.
He added that the experiences of 2020 and on July 14 provided valuable lessons for people in the commune who have set up safe areas for animals and barns for storing food as well.
“Our Phnom Proek district administration is prepared to respond and assist if there is a flood,” Sopheak said.
On July 14, floods affected the houses of more than 50 families and damaged crops and infrastructure, rural roads and drainage across some roads.
