Record-breaking rains flooded Phnom Penh during a two-day storm, prompting City Hall to ask residents to be “understanding” yesterday.

People were urged to avoid littering into the sewage system to prevent blockages.

“We will do our best to make our sewage system work quickly and efficiently everywhere,” the statement reads.

Phalla, a 38-year-old Phsar Doeum Thkov resident, said that whenever it rained heavily, it flooded his house.

“The flood ruined the furniture and cookware floated away; my children found it hard to find a place to sleep,” he said.

San Chey, coordinator for ANSA-EAP, which monitors infrastructure, said flooding occurred because reservoirs – Boeung Kak, Boeung Tumpuon and Boeung Trabek – were full and the sewage system could not compensate.

“We have to check the drainage system for renovation. Authorities need to renovate the reservoirs and educate people to manage their waste properly,” he said.

City Hall announced on Facebook that a drainage system will be built from Street 336 to Jawaharlal Nehru Boulevard this year.

Spokesman Long Dimanche could not be reached.