KAMPONG SPEU: Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, Chea Somethy, met with 117 families affected by the floods in Kampong Speu Province over the holiday weekend.

On October 16, the Social Affairs Minister and his officials went to inspect the situation after flooding displaced hundreds of people in the southwestern province and met with 511 flood victims at a local pagoda. The minister also brought donations for the flood victims including rice, noodles, canned fish, and 50,000 Riels (about $11.50) per person. He also gave the monks at the pagoda 500,000 Riels (about $123).

During the visit, he delivered a speech in which he said that the Cambodian people are living in a peaceful society of political stability, security and good order, which has created an opportunity for them to improve their livelihoods and promote socio-economic development. He also brought greetings from Prime Minister Hun Manet, First Lady Pich Chanmony and the former PM and first lady, saying that they care about the well-being of all Cambodians.

The Minister called on people to practice good hygiene to avoid health epidemics and to be ready to rehabilitate crops after the floods recede. He told people to take care of themselves and the community by eating well, drinking clean water and avoiding sick animals. He asked local authorities to arrange evacuations of people and livestock to avoid tragedy.

On Sunday, heavy rains caused flooding that affected nearly 400 families across eight villages in Kampong Speu. A day later the floodwaters have begun to recede, but families are left to put their lives back together after the disaster.

Victims of the flooding included 19 sick elderly people and young children who were evacuated to the Botum Van Pagoda and the Kong Pisey District Referral Hospital.