PHNOM PENH: The Secretary of State for the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology has warned of potential flooding along the Prek Tnaot River following heavy rains this week.

Secretary of State and Chief of Water Resources Management Coordination in Phnom Penh, Kandal and Kampong Speu Provinces, Ponh Sachchak, accompanied a technical officer to inspect the water level of Stung Prek Tnaot River as the water rose to a critical height on October 17.

Ponh Sachchak instructed the relevant departments and technical officers to regularly monitor the water level and to open flood gates to relieve the buildup and minimize flooding risk and avoid an emergency situation in areas of southern Phnom Penh and Kandal.

Critical points along the river include the Ta Sal Dam, where water has risen to 19.2 meters with the flood line being at 19.5 meters and Roleang Chrey Regulator, which is only .4 meters away from reaching critical mass.