At least two people were killed and 18 homes were severely damaged in heavy rains when thunderstorms hit four districts in Battambang province on April 4-5.

Moul Thun, director of provincial administration, told The Post on April 6 that the two people were killed by lightning in Phnom Proek district. In Phnom Proek, Kors Kralor, Banan and Thma Koul districts, 18 houses were damaged.

“We have often announced to the public about the dangers before and during the rainy season,” he said.

Phnom Proek district police chief Song Sopheak said the two who were killed were a 12-year-old girl and a 52-year-old woman. Both lived in Pichr Chenda commune’s Phnom Touch village.

The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology on April 6 called on residents to be vigilant as more stormy weather is predicted from April 7-13, particularly in the northwestern provinces.

The ministry said there will be a low pressure system from India and southeast winds from the South China Sea, which will affect the central lowland provinces along the Dangrek Mountains and the northeastern plateau and coastal areas.

The strength of the storms will be from moderate to heavy.