In 2011 Cambodia experienced its worst flooding in over a decade, with at least 250 people known to have died. Over one million people across 18 provinces were affected.  Australian people, also recovering from record floods in 2011, were saddened to hear the news.

Ms Megan Anderson, Counsellor (Development Cooperation) at the Australian Embassy distributes goods to people affected by flooding at Por Andot Pagoda, Baphnom District, Prey Veng.

In response the Australian Government, through the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), committed an A$2million package of Australian assistance for Cambodia’s flood relief, which has been fully dispersed to a range of partners.

The Cambodian Red Cross provided assistance to families in Prey Veng and Kampong Thom provinces.  Save the Children assisted people in Prey Veng province.  CARE helped affected families in Kampong Chhnang province with immediate relief needs.  ActionAid provided assistance in five provinces (Banteay Meanchey, Kampong Cham, Kratie, Preah Vihear and Siem Reap).

In addition, the World Food Programme is helping to address on-going food needs caused by the significant loss of crops.

Australia also contributed funds for flood response and rehabilitation through some of AusAID’s existing sector programs in health and infrastructure.

In addition to the official response, Cambodians who had studied in Australia, including former Australian scholarship holders, provided a generous contribution of almost $4,500 through the fundraising efforts of the Australian Alumni Association-Cambodia.