Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Floodwaters recede in Kampong Speu, Kampong Chhnang but stagnate in capital, Kandal

Floodwaters recede in Kampong Speu, Kampong Chhnang but stagnate in capital, Kandal

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
A village road collapses, swept away by severe flash floods in Kampong Chhnang province on January 14. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Floodwaters recede in Kampong Speu, Kampong Chhnang but stagnate in capital, Kandal

After the abatement of heavy rains over the last few days in Kampong Speu and Kampong Chhnang provinces, the floodwaters there have gradually receded, while the flooding in southwestern Phnom Penh and neighbouring Kandal province from the Stung Prek Tnaot River remained stagnant.

Authorities have renewed their calls for people who live near lowlands to excercise increased caution, with weather officials predicting that there will be light-to-medium rains from January 20.

Kampong Speu provincial governor Vei Samnang told The Post on January 15 that at this time, the weather conditions have improved and the sky is clear with no rainfall. Some flooded parts of Chbar Mon town and the Oral, Thpong and Phnom Sruoch districts, which were inundated a few days ago, have gradually seen floodwaters recede after five water gates were opened at the Roleang Chrey Reservoir Dam.

“At this time, the specialists have decided to close those five water gates at the dam to prevent a shortage of water in the coming hot season because the sky is now clear and there has been no rainfall since January 14,” he said.

In Kandal province and Phnom Penh, although the Stung Prek Tnaot River water levels have not risen further as of January 15, current levels still put some parts of Dangkor district in the capital and Takhmao town in Kandal under threat of flooding if there is rainfall several days in a row as was the case a few days ago.

Kandal provincial Department of Water Resource and Meteorology spokesman Ouk Vanna said that because the water gates at the Roleang Chrey Reservoir Dam were now closed, Stung Prek Tnaot River levels on January 15 had stopped rising.

“However, those who live by this river need to remain vigilant to avoid possible danger, especially pay close attention to the safety of small children and the elderly,” he said.

He continued that the Stung Prek Tnaot River water levels had risen a few days ago because of heavy rains in areas at the upper portion of the river. Rice fields and houses near the river were flooded and the floodwaters had washed out a bridge in Prek Hou commune of Takhmao town.

Authorities in Dangkor district inspected the Stung Prek Tnaot River levels and are using heavy machinery to open the water flow system in some parts of the south to prevent further flooding.

“As an urgent measure at this time, we are intervening to dig open the back of the dam and open the surface water to flow down the canals and the fields in the south to avoid flooding,” said district governor Kim Nhep.

In Kampong Chhnang province, authorities are repairing the damage to roads and bridges after the floods that took place few days ago.

Deputy provincial governor Am Sothea told The Post that the waters had receded and the sky was clear with no rainfall.

“At this time, a team has responded to the natural disaster in the province. We are conducting repairs to the roads and bridges damaged by the floodwaters to facilitate people's travel,” he said.

He added that the flood had submerged the houses and the crops of residents in some areas in Samaki Meanchey, Kampong Tralach and Teuk Phos districts after three days of rainfall from January 10-13.

Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology spokesman Chan Yutha said that waters at the upper part of the Stung Prek Tnaot River have now receded, but downstream in Kandal and Phnom Penh, the waters seemed to have stagnated or even risen slightly, with the ministry taking action to manage the water and prevent further flooding.

Yutha also noted that for now the weather in Phnom Penh and Kandal was not cloudy, with clear skies and little rainfall since January 13.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.

  • PM urges end to ‘baseless’ international Ream base accusations

    Prime Minister Hun Sen urges an end to “baseless” foreign accusations surrounding the development of the Kingdom’s Ream Naval Base, as the US has consistently suggested that the base is being expanded to accommodate a Chinese military presence. Hun Sen renewed his calls while

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the