The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport have advised relevant units to be prepared to assist in locations vulnerable to flooding.

Agriculture minister Veng Sakhon said officials have to be ready to work with the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) to prevent flood damage and be prepared to assist in repairing the damage that occurs.

On Tuesday, he told the General Department of Agriculture to evaluate crop damage and prepare rice seed from the Cambodian Food Reserve System to restore damaged rice crops.

He also instructed the General Directorate of Animal Health and Production to prepare sufficient animal feed, veterinary equipment and safe places to evacuate rescued animals.

Phnom Penh municipal and provincial agriculture departments have also been told to observe flood conditions regularly to prepare for rescues and evaluate damages.

Pursat provincial agriculture department director Lay Piseth said on Wednesday that people who suffered from floods have received food and animals have been evacuated to safe places.

“We have to wait for the water to recede to evaluate the damage specifically. We will request rice seeds and other crops from the NCDM,” he said.

Tan Phannara, director-general of the General Directorate of Animal Health and Production, said people in flooded areas have been vaccinated. What his department and provincial agriculture departments are doing is asking people to take animals that have not been vaccinated to officials with veterinary skills.

“There is no shortage of vaccines and treatments, we have enough reserves. We just stocked more on Monday. If they are lacking, we have reserves at the general department for all provinces in need,” he said.

Public works minister Sun Chanthol also instructed the ministry’s General Department, the Technical General Department, and public works departments across the country to gather comprehensive information in collaboration with the NCDM.

Chanthol advised officials to take urgent measures to fix bridges. Traffic signs in places that are vulnerable to floods must be installed.

The ministry’s public works director-general Heng Rathpiseth said he had advised relevant units to take measures to control and prevent road damage.

“We have already advised all departments to keep up with weather forecasts and report to the general department on time. If there are damaged roads, they have to fix them. We have to do whatever it takes to ensure smooth travel. In the case of floods, they have to check whether to allow cars or trucks to drive through or not,” he said.