The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology has announced that Cambodia is suffering from the effects of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) over the northern parts of Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.

In its latest notice, the ministry said that on September 5, the ITCZ – together with a low pressure front – will slide down and cover Cambodia. So, from September 5-9 Cambodia will receive scattered rain showers and moderate-to-high rainfall. Thunderstorms are also expected.

The notice said that areas where high levels of precipitation in mountain areas and low-lying areas carry high risks of flooding include Preah Vihear, Ratanakkiri, Kampong Thom (Stung Sen), Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Siem Reap, Pailin, Pursat, parts of Kampong Speu province close to the Cardamom and Oral Mountains, and Koh Kong. Preah Sihanouk also has a high risk of flooding, especially the stretch of National Road 4 between Koh Kong and Sihanoukville.

The notice added that heavy rainfall across the Mekong Basin is expected to cause water levels in the region’s rivers to rise.

The ministry called on all relevant ministries, institutions, local authorities and the public to exercise increased caution.