The armed forces have been deployed in response to severe storms on Sunday evening across three provinces – which an official said left at least three injured – with meteorologists predicting more to come.

National Committee for Disaster Management spokesman Keo Vy said yesterday that two communes in Mondulkiri’s Pech Chreada district were hit, causing 38 homes to collapse and leaving three girls injured.

In Battambang, 71 houses were flattened in Kors Kralor district and the roofs were shorn off another five in Mong Russey district. A further 31 houses collapsed in Banteay Meanchey’s Preah Netr Preah district.

“Local authorities are working with the armed forces to bring food and support to affected families and to help the victims rebuild their houses,” said Vy.

Mong Russey district deputy police chief Keo Sokhum said many residents were surprised by what he characterised as the district’s first hail in living memory.

“This ice rain has never happened before in our district,” Sokhum said.

Meanwhile, the Meteorology Ministry issued a warning yesterday for citizens and authorities in nine provinces to prepare for four days of rain and storms expected to start today.