Wild winds, heavy rain, thunderstorms and flash floods could be in store for the northern highlands and lower Mekong delta areas, the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology said in a nationwide weather warning issued on Saturday.

The announcement alerted 17 of Cambodia’s 23 provinces to the worrisome weather patterns being caused by low air pressure along the Mekong and in northern areas of Cambodia.

Individuals living in mountains, areas below sea level and near waterways must take extra precautions in the face of potential flash floods, the ministry warned.

The ministry extended the warnings through tomorrow for heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Kim Savoeun, chief of Kampong Cham’s agricultural department, expressed distress about flooding in his province.

“Flooding in Kampong Cham last year destroyed rice, crops, construction and took the lives of people,” said Savoeun. “We are worried about the upcoming flood but provincial authorities have held meetings to combat the flood.”

However, not everyone predicted to be affected by the heavy rains is worried, and in some drought-stricken areas, the rain could come as a relief.

“Such rain is a good thing and saves almost 10,000 hectares of rice that is in need of water,” said Uk Keoratanak, a spokesperson for Banteay Meanchey provincial hall.

According to the National Committee for Disaster Management, storms this year have destroyed 193 homes, killed 20 and injured 59.

To contact the reporter on this story: Phak Seangly at [email protected]

With assistance from Rachel Will