Cambodia is located in one of the most vulnerable flood zones in mainland Southeast Asia with its low-lying topography and vast floodplains. Climate change has exacerbated the country’s challenges and threatens the livelihoods of many. According to the Ministry of Water Resources, Cambodia will receive light to moderate rain in the coming days, while the continuous rain over the last week has contributed to rising water levels, threatening low-lying districts across the country.

According to the ministry’s forecast, Cambodia will receive mixed rain and strong winds from October 4-6, which could cause landslides or fallen trees in some areas in and around the famous Angkor Wat temple complex.

The APSARA Authority advised tourists, drivers and tour operators to be extra careful when traveling or visiting temples in the Angkor area. The Authority advised vehicles to avoid sitting or parking under trees to avoid damage to life and property.

Yesterday, authorities suspended the use of large vehicles along several roads in Siem Reap due to flooding, saying that their weight could heavily damage the road as it is inundated with floodwater.

Further west, residents in flood-prone areas were evacuated in three districts of Battambang Province, with authorities advising the public in those areas to take extra precautions and to keep food and supplies ready to go in the event of an emergency evacuation.

Just south of Battambang in Pursat Province, a disaster emergency was declared after the Pursat River rose above safe levels last week, completely sweeping away a beloved café in the nearby hills. Yesterday, Former First Lady Bun Rany, who is president of the Red Cross, authorized humanitarian aid distribution worth nearly $67,000 to nearly 2,000 families affected by the floods in Pursat. Each family received 25 kg of rice, a box of noodles, 10 cans of canned fish, a kit containing a mosquito net, blanket, sarong, krama, along with soy sauce and fish sauce.