PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology says Cambodia will get more light to moderate rainstorms this week, following the extreme flooding of July 3. The ministry has requested residents to keep the street drains clear of any garbage that may interfere with Phnom Penh’s drainage system.

According to the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, Cambodia will be affected by a low pressure system combined with the weak southwest monsoon from July 5-11, which will bring rainstorms and heavy winds. All areas can expect lighting, thunder, and light to moderate rainfall, with the central lowlands and highlands ranging from lows of 24 to highs of 36 degrees Celsius. Coastal areas can expect lows of 25 degrees highs of 34 degrees.

Heavy rain on the evening of July 3 caused massive flooding in Phnom Penh. This was the most extreme flooding the city has seen in three years, with the estimated rainfall at 153 mm, or just over six inches. Social media was flooded with images and videos of stranded vehicles in knee-deep water throughout the city.

The water began to recede after the Phnom Penh administration turned on the city’s water pumps after two to three hours of rain. This morning, Phnom Penh Governor Khuon Sreng led a street brigade to clean up parts of the Tuol Kork district.

The Phnom Penh Capital Administration called on people to collect garbage in front of the drains by their residences to avoid blockage of the sewers, which causes flooding.