A stormy afternoon in Phnom Penh recently. Hong Menea
The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology calls on people living in the central lowlands and highlands to be extra vigilant from May 10 to 16, as the region is likely to see heavy rainfall, with strong winds and thunderstorms.
A May 9 statement from the ministry warned of potential thunderstorms and lightning strikes throughout the Kingdom during the next week.
“Cambodia will be affected by low pressure valleys in the northern part of the country and a weak southwest monsoon, which will reduce minimum temperatures in the central lowlands to 25-27 degree Celsius, with maximums of between 34-36C. It will bring light to moderate scattered rain, with possible heavy showers, partly mixed with thunderstorms and strong winds,” it said.
The ministry added that the highlands can expect minimum temperatures of 24-26C and maximums of 34-36C. There is also the chance of thunder, lightning and strong winds in some places.
“Coastal areas will experience minimum temperatures of 24-26C and maximums of 33-35C, with light to moderate rainfall mixed with thunder and gusts,” said the ministry.
“We appeal to the public to exercise caution and remain aware of possible natural phenomena,” it added.
According to a report by the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM), in the first four months of the year, 14 people were killed and 91 others injured by lightning, high winds and thunderstorms.
The report added that 1,011 houses were destroyed, with a further 7,328 losing their roofs. Several schools, administrative offices and market stalls were also damaged.
Ahead of the coming rains, Hun Many, president of the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC), led a delegation on a visit to the Preah Vihear Temple Unity Command under the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and provided raincoats to the soldiers stationed there.
Many told the military units stationed there that they are an indispensable shield in maintaining peace for the nation and its people.
“Although the temple is now peaceful, the long-term plan is to turn the former battle zone into a development zone. It will be transformed from a battlefield to a market and from a danger zone to a tourist area. We will create a border with our neighbours that promotes peace, friendship, cooperation and development in all sectors,” he was quoted as saying in an RCAF statement.
