A storm in Preah Sihanouk province last year. Hean Rangsey
Coastal provinces, mountainous areas, and areas along the Mekong River need to take precautions as tropical storm Cempaka, currently moving across southern China, will bring heavy rains, an advisory from the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology stated.
In the advisory on July 19, the ministry said that apart from Cempaka, tropical storm In-Fa tracking across the Pacific Ocean near Taiwan has developed into a typhoon and is heading towards eastern China and could affect Cambodia’s weather.
The notice added that on the morning of July 19, Cempaka had increased in strength and is moving to the south of China.
According to a forecast, Cempaka and the southwestern monsoon along with the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone is influencing Cambodia’s weather. The Kingdom will experience storms nationwide from July 21-22.
“Coastal areas will experience medium to heavy rainfall. There could be flooding in Preah Sihanouk and Koh Kong provinces. Rain will be out at sea with strong winds and high waves. Low-lying provinces will also experience medium to heavy rains as will provinces along the Mekong River, and Dangrek and Cardamon mountains. Expect strong winds in all these areas,” the ministry said.
Preah Sihanouk provincial hall spokesman Kheang Phearom told The Post that the governor had assigned all relevant authorities to disseminate news to people, especially fishermen and advised them to take precautions to avoid danger.
“Based on the notice from the ministry, people who work on boats need to take extra precautions when going out to sea,” he said. “During this time, if possible avoid going into the sea and be extra careful if you do. Check the weather carefully and regularly and make sure boats have enough life jackets.”
The ministry added that fishermen and boat passengers out at sea have to exercise increased caution to avoid placing themselves in danger. The ministry has been monitoring the situation closely in case the weather changes.
In another announcement released on July 20, the ministry warned that there is a strong possibility of flash flood in the coastal areas.
