Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Heightened risk of water shortages next year: ministry

Heightened risk of water shortages next year: ministry

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
An excavator restores a canal amid a drought in Mongkol Borei district of Banteay Meanchey province in February last year. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Heightened risk of water shortages next year: ministry

The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology advised people to conserve water and use it sparingly, as it predicted low rainfalls for 2023. Several provincial administrations have already said they are prepared to assist residents who are suffering from a lack of water.

In a December 22 announcement, the ministry cautioned people – especially those in remote areas, far from water sources – to conserve their water supplies, as there is unlikely to be much heavy rain until the rainy season begins in mid-May. It also warned that temperatures could rise as high as 39 degrees Celsius, which could lead to severe dehydration.

The dry season forecast predicted light or moderate rain in March and April, and warned that thunderstorms and strong winds were likely to occur.

“Although there may be moderate rainfall during the dry season and the beginning of the rainy season, the amount of rainfall will be unlikely to meet the Kingdom’s needs,” it added.

During the dry season, temperatures will be the lowest, or close to the lowest, they have been in many years. In January, the central lowland provinces can expect average lows of 18°C and average highs of 29°C.

In the Dangrek Mountains and the northeast plateau, minimum temperatures may drop to 15°C.

Oddar Meanchey deputy governor Dy Rado said he was prepared to assist the population of the province.

“If there are water shortages, we will mobilise our forces to provide relief. All provinces have a committee which is tasked with addressing this issue,” he told The Post on December 25.

He said Oddar Meanchey has five large reservoirs which stretch from Trapaing Prasat to Chongkal districts. Each of the reservoirs stores millions of cubic metres of water, which can serve the needs of people who experience water shortages.

Lim Sophean, deputy director of administration and information officer of Preah Vihear province, said on December 25 that the provincial leadership had not yet set out plans to deal with potential water shortages.

However, he believed the provincial governor will likely establish a joint mechanism and a team of specialists to solve any future issues.

“We are waiting for guidance from the provincial governor. Once we have our instructions, we will prepare the appropriate mechanisms,” he said.

In 2019, Preah Vihear province experienced a severe drought which adversely affected many people, most notably in Kulen district. The provincial administration applied all of its forces – as well as a team of young volunteers – in response. Water was widely distributed and many emergency wells were drilled.

MOST VIEWED

  • Wing Bank opens new branch in front of Orkide The Royal along Street 2004

    Wing Bank celebrates first anniversary as commercial bank with launch of brand-new branch. One year since officially launching with a commercial banking licence, Wing Bank on March 14 launched a new branch in front of Orkide The Royal along Street 2004. The launch was presided over by

  • Girl from Stung Meanchey dump now college grad living in Australia

    After finishing her foundational studies at Trinity College and earning a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Melbourne in 2022, Ron Sophy, a girl who once lived at the Stung Meanchey garbage dump and scavenged for things to sell, is now working at a private

  • 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

  • Wat Phnom hornbills attract tourists, locals

    Thanks to the arrival of a friendly flock of great hornbills, Hour Rithy, a former aviculturist – or raiser of birds – in Kratie province turned Phnom Penh tuk tuk driver, has seen a partial return to his former profession. He has become something of a guide

  • 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