Local authorities in Stung Trang commune, in Pailin province’s Salakrav district said on Thursday that heavy rains flooded 23 houses in Ptas Sbov village, but stressed that the damage thus far has not been serious.

Stung Trang Commune Police Chief Hok Heng said officials from Pailin’s provincial Water Resources Department are inspecting the situation and opened the flood gate to allow the water to flow out to the O’Dounta canal.

“Of the 23 houses that are affected, nine are badly flooded. Some 80 metres of a road is also flooded and inaccessible to traffic,” Heng said.

The thatch-roofed houses that dot Ptas Sboy village often flood after a few days of rain, as it has hills and a mountain on either side of it, said Ngar Lyhong, an official at Pailin’s Water Resources Department.

“At the moment, the department team is working with local authorities to assess the danger. We’ve opened the flood gate, but we expect the water to dissipate once the rains stop for a few days,” Lyhong said.

He added that authorities have temporarily prohibited the use of mini-tractors and jerry-rigged vehicles from travelling on the flooded roads.

Meanwhile, in Banteay Meanchey province, the Palilay Primary School, located in Poipet town, has been closed for the past week due to its classes and offices being flooded.

A teacher, who asked not to be named, told The Post that the school was waiting for the water to be drained before opening it again.

“The important factor is that the school’s closure is only temporary, and serves to protect the safety of the students, most of whom are under 10 years old,” she said.

Early this month, floods destroyed more than 230 hectares of paddy fields in Mongkol Borei district in Banteay Meancheay and 30 hectares of cassava fields in Sala Krau district, in Pailin province.

The Water Resource and Meteorology Ministry is forecasting heavy rains in most provinces until June 8.