The Ministry of Water Resource and Meteorology (MWRM) and the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) warned on Monday that Boeung Tamok (lake) in Oddar Meanchey has reached alert levels.

The lake level is 3.90m while the emergency water level is 4.20m.

Oddar Meanchey Provincial Hall spokesman Chea Piseth told The Post on Monday that water has almost reached emergency levels but should not be a concern as the region is a rainforest area.

“If there is a lot of rainfall for many days, water will flow from this reservoir to the lower part of a natural reservoir. When it is a major rainfall, water will increase a lot, but it will decrease again if there is no rain for one or two days,” Piseth said.

Natural reservoirs are usually full in late September and early October, he said.

“Travel on Boeung Tamok bridge will be closed temporarily if the water reaches emergency levels. Citizens will have to travel on other roads to avoid possible danger.

“The water level may decrease if there is no rain on Tuesday. Local authorities will continue to monitor the lake for safety and to alert citizens on time before it rises to dangerous levels. Nobody is currently in danger and no property has been lost yet,” Piseth said.

NCDM spokesman Khun Sokha said on Monday that flooding is not a concern and there are floods only in some regions.

“Provinces that are affected by flooding are Oddar Meanchey and Banteay Meanchey, but it decreases when the rain stops,” he said.

Sokha said NCDM works in collaboration with the ministry to observe storm flooding and protect safety.

“From this month, the season for flood and drought begins. We must not be careless and will work with affected provinces on prevention measures and to advise caution,” Sokha said.

An NCDM report said strong winds have damaged 4,886 houses, killed four people, and injured 51 while lightning strikes have killed 47.

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