Phnom Penh: The National Committee for Disaster Management is rolling out preparations ahead of possible flooding in the Mekong River basin. It’s sprung into action following the latest weather forecast from the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology that heavy rainfall is expected in the catchment area of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers, which could see enough of a rise in water levels to cause flooding.

The Committee has recommended that all capital, provincial, municipal, district and commune authorities take the following steps:

1. Strengthen their Disaster Management Mechanism, most especially in the context of Covid-19, so that in the event of any evacuations, places of refuge are abiding by preventative measures.

2. Inform their communities through local media, Telegram and Facebook about localised weather forecasts, river conditions and water levels. Those living in the most vulnerable areas must be advised to prepare, by way of storing important materials, food and livestock to avoid loss or damage.

3. In the event of a flooding incident, local authorities must carry out emergency operations while Capital and Provincial Disaster Management Committees mobilise.

Should flooding occur, responses will be coordinated by the Secretariats of the Capital and Provincial Disaster Management Committees, which would also be responsible for updating the National Committee for Disaster Management.

The National Committee says it strongly hopes there will be a high level of cooperation and responsibility by authorities at all levels, to ensure the safety of people living in the Mekong and Tonle Sap catchment areas.