Heavy rains in Poipet town have yet to reach a “serious” level, according to the government, despite widespread flooding in recent days.

“So far about 20 houses are underwater . . . Some roads have been flooded, but the water levels are not alarming yet compared with previous years,” said Nut Ly, a Poipet commune official.

In 2012 and 2013, rains in Thailand’s highlands swept into western Cambodia, causing serious damage to Banteay Meanchey province. Houses and schools were flooded and at least three people died from drowning in the deluge and from electric shocks.

Ngor Mengchruon, Poipet city governor, said the O’Chrou creek that runs through the town is prone to overflowing when it rains heavily and continuously over several days.

However, the drought that preceded this year’s rains has meant that flood damage has been minimised, he added. “If there is no torrent of water from Thailand, we expect that we won’t be faced with serious floods . . . because the creek is not yet half full.”