Floods Damage More than 10,000 Hectares of Rice Fields
- By Chhum Chantha
- August 6, 2023 12:00 PM
PHNOM PENH — More than 10,000 hectares of rice plantations were damaged by floods in 11 provinces due to the heavy rains, with Kampot province being the most affected.
According to the report on floods issued by the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) for the period of July 27 through Aug. 3, the floods during those eight days affected 12 provinces: Kampong Thom, Kampong Speu, Kampot, Kep, Koh Kong, Kratie, Mondulkiri, Preah Sihanouk, Preah Vihear, Pursat, Ratanakkiri, and Siem Reap provinces.
Nearly 2,200 households were put in precarious situations due to the rising water levels, leading to 146 families having to be evacuated and six people losing their lives.
Besides the rice plantations, more than 100 hectares of other crops were also damaged.
Soth Kimkolmony, spokesperson for the Committee for Disaster Management, said that the province with the most damage is Kampot province where more than 8,000 hectares were devastated.
According to the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, it is expected to rain continuously through Aug. 8, and there will be big waves and strong wind on the beach due to the low-pressure system (ITCZ) and the Typhoon Khanun.
The areas along the Mekong River might also be flooded as the water level rises, the ministry said on July 31: In Stung Treng province, the water level is expected to reach 7.65 meters, in Kratie province 16.70 meters, and Kampong Cham province 9.90 meters.
However, the ministry said, the water levels are not at an alarming height yet. The ministry, nevertheless, called on people, especially those living within the areas where water level may rise, to be cautious during the rainy season.
Meng Seavmey contributed to the story.
