Sihanoukville: At least one person has been killed in flashfloods in downtown Sihanoukville. The man was reported missing on Tuesday evening after being swept off his motorbike, and being carried away by a flooded canal. His body was found in Commune 4 by police on Wednesday morning.

Another person had a very lucky escape after they were also swept up by floodwaters in Sihanoukville. The city’s communes 1, 2, 3 and 4 are the worst affected, with images showing vehicles seemingly floating, homes flooded and roads resembling lakes.

Preah Sihanouk Governor, Kouch Chamroeun, says 249mm of rain fell on Tuesday evening, causing low-lying areas to be completely swamped. The man who was killed was crossing Mittapheap Street on his motorbike when he was carried away. The Sihanoukville Administrative Unity Command is now surveying the flooded areas.

The weather office has warned of heavy rains for the next week. Provincial and capital administrations are advising everyone across the Kingdom to be on high alert.