Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Create special secretariats for disaster management, says PM

Create special secretariats for disaster management, says PM

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
A six-storey building in Kep province collapsed on January 3, killing 36 and injuring 23. Heng Chivoan

Create special secretariats for disaster management, says PM

Following the collapse of two buildings some seven months apart, Prime Minister Hun Sen has reminded all government institutions of their obligation to create special secretariats for disaster management.

In a circular issued on Tuesday, the prime minister noted that only some government bodies had created secretariats for disaster management. He instructed all other institutions to follow suit.

He said the secretariat is “a mechanism to manage disasters in the ministries and institutions,” noting that each one is headed by a secretary that liaises with members of the National Committee for Disaster Management when disaster strikes.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Hun Sen discussed recent disasters in Cambodia and the reaction of other countries.

Referring to the collapse of buildings in June in Sihanoukville and in Kep this month, Hun Sen said other countries have been quick to blame the government but said many of these countries have had building collapses of their own.

“Our government has been unfairly criticised for the recent collapse of two buildings. But, is this fair? Our response has been adequate. We are working to remove those responsible.”

Kun Kim, the Senior Minister in charge of special missions and deputy president of the National Committee for Disaster Management, acknowledged that Cambodia has to strengthen its response mechanism.

Speaking to The Post yesterday, Kim said Tuesday’s circular represents a new effort to implement existing regulation that will improve the Kingdom’s emergency response, particularly in the face of floods, droughts and building collapses.

“The National Committee for Disaster Management has faced challenges responding to disasters because the law was not being implemented. Because of this circular, communication between ministries and institutions during disasters will improve.”

Kim noted that the National Committee for Disaster Management plans to request the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces to train 1,000 soldiers in emergency response and rescue operations.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry taking steps over Thai ‘replica’ of Angkor Wat

    The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has dispatched experts to inspect the ongoing construction of a temple in Wat Phu Man Fah, located in Thailand’s Buriram province. This temple appears to be a replica of Cambodia’s renowned Angkor Wat. The ministry said

  • Ream base allegations must end, urges official

    A senior government official urges an end to the allegations and suspicions surrounding the development of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, now that Prime Minister Hun Manet has addressed the issue on the floor of the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78). Jean-Francois Tain, a geopolitical

  • Cambodia claims int’l titles in eight-sided arena

    Three prominent Cambodian Kun Khmer fighters – Thoeun Theara, Phal Sophorn and Roeung Sophorn – all claimed International Professional Combat Council (IPCC) world titles at the September 30 octagonal ring event at Town Arena, although popular Kun Khmer exponent Prum Samnang failed to secure a win in his

  • PM to open new Siem Reap int’l airport December 1

    Prime Minister Hun Manet and Chinese leaders would jointly participate in the official opening of the new Chinese-invested Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport on December 1. The airport symbolises a new page in the history of Cambodian aviation, which will be able to welcome long-distance flights to

  • Rapper VannDa bridges borders with beats

    Born in a bustling Cambodian market, a young dreamer named VannDa found his rhythm amid the clatter and chaos. Today, his beats resonate far beyond the shores of his homeland, streaming on platforms like Spotify and capturing the imaginations of hip-hop fans in the region

  • CP denied registration documents by ministry

    The Ministry of Interior will not reissue registration documents to the Candlelight Party (CP). Following a September 21 meeting between ministry secretary of state Bun Honn and CP representatives, the ministry cited the fact that there is no relevant law which would authorise it to do