KANDAL: The collapse of a river bank on Monday, 24 April 2023, in Saang district of Kandal province has caused significant damage to 40 houses.

National Disaster Management Committee Spokesperson, Soth Kimkolmony, confirmed to EAC News that around 200-meters of the river bank collapsed in Saang district, affecting 40 houses and 21 families who lived there. Two houses became completely submerged in the river, while 28 houses were severely damaged and 10 more sustained slight damages as well.

The Disaster Management Committee Spokesperson emphasized that most of the affected houses were used for business and trade. About 450 authorities were immediately deployed to help rescue victims.

According to the Kandal Provincial Administration, the collapse of the river bank was caused by the river’s receding waters which impacted the river bank’s ability to structurally support the weight of the houses.

"Irregular ground conditions caused the houses to collapse, with the land also penetrating into the lower part of the houses," stated the Kandal Provincial Administration. "If such collapses and landslides continue to occur, people will no longer be able to live and continue doing business in these risky locations.”