Flooding caused by torrential rain has affected 16,789 families across 10 Cambodian provinces, with more than 2,000 families evacuated as authorities remain on alert for further heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds.
As of Saturday, authorities had evacuated 2,016 families to safer areas as heavy rainfall continued to affect parts of the country.
Key Facts
| Indicator | Details |
|---|---|
| Main cause | Torrential and heavy rainfall |
| Families affected | 16,789 |
| Families evacuated | 2,016 |
| Houses damaged | 16,547 |
| Rice fields inundated | 10,445 hectares |
| Provinces affected | 10 |
| Cities and districts affected | 39 |
| Mekong trend at most Cambodian stations | Declining |
| Tonle Sap inflow | 36.08 billion cubic metres |
| Battambang Sek Sak dam level | 57.80 metres |
| Forecast | Moderate to heavy rain in several areas |
Despite the widespread flooding, officials said water levels at most key monitoring stations along the Mekong River remained below warning thresholds and were gradually declining.
10 Provinces Affected by Flooding
National Committee for Disaster Management spokesman Soth Kimkolmony said flooding had affected 39 cities and districts across 10 provinces:
- Kratie
- Tboung Khmum
- Kampong Cham
- Kampong Thom
- Battambang
- Pailin
- Pursat
- Preah Vihear
- Siem Reap
- Banteay Meanchey
The flooding has affected 16,789 families and damaged 16,547 houses.
Agriculture has also been affected, with approximately 10,445 hectares of rice fields inundated.
Cambodia Flooding Situation at a Glance
| Indicator | Reported figure |
|---|---|
| Provinces affected | 10 |
| Cities and districts affected | 39 |
| Families affected | 16,789 |
| Families evacuated | 2,016 |
| Houses damaged | 16,547 |
| Rice fields inundated | 10,445 hectares |
Heavy Rain Remains the Main Cause
Kimkolmony said the flooding was primarily caused by heavy rainfall across large parts of Cambodia.
At the same time, water levels at most key Mekong monitoring stations remained below warning thresholds and were declining.
Authorities have continued to provide assistance with transportation, evacuations and emergency preparations.
Officials said the overall situation had not yet reached a severe level, but warned that continued rainfall could worsen conditions in affected areas.
More Rain Forecast Across Cambodia
The Cambodian National Mekong Committee said nearly all monitoring stations, including those from Stung Treng downstream, recorded declining river levels compared with the previous day.
However, water levels at Chau Doc in Vietnam rose slightly and remained at a level requiring caution.
The volume of Mekong River water flowing into Tonle Sap Lake was reported at 36.08 billion cubic metres, stable compared with the previous day.
For the five-day forecast through Friday, moderate to heavy rainfall was expected in parts of western and southwestern Cambodia and northeastern Thailand.
Nationally, rainfall was possible in:
- Kampot
- Kampong Speu
- Koh Kong
- Battambang
- Pailin
- Banteay Meanchey
- Oddar Meanchey
- Pursat
- Kampong Chhnang
- Kampong Cham
- Stung Treng
- Ratanakiri
- Mondulkiri
The Cambodian National Mekong Committee urged residents in areas forecast to receive heavy rainfall to remain vigilant and closely monitor weather updates.
Battambang Monitors Dam and Flood Conditions
In Battambang, Governor Sok Lou led officials on Saturday in an inspection of the Battambang Multipurpose Dam in Ratanak Mondul district, the Kanghot Dam in Banan district and flood-affected areas in Banan.
Lou said the Sek Sak dam stood at 57.80 metres, with discharge remaining within safe levels.
However, water flowing from Kanghot Dam toward Sala Ta On through Battambang City had not receded, creating additional flood risks in several communes.
The governor instructed local authorities to prepare rescue equipment and keep residents informed about water levels and road closures.
The measures are intended to reduce the risk of accidents and allow authorities to respond more quickly if flooding worsens.
Authorities Prepare for Possible Further Flooding
Provincial administrations in Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Pursat and other affected provinces have instructed local authorities to prepare personnel and use available resources to respond to flooding.
Authorities have also been told to prepare for evacuations in flood-prone areas.
Residents have been advised to remain particularly cautious during periods of heavy rain when travelling by road or water and to follow official safety instructions.
Angkor Times Analysis: Flood Risk Extends Beyond Homes
The reported flooding highlights the multiple layers of impact that heavy rainfall can have on Cambodia’s communities.
The immediate concern is household safety. With 2,016 families already evacuated, emergency transportation, safe locations and timely information remain important as rainfall continues.
The impact on agriculture is also significant. More than 10,445 hectares of rice fields have been inundated, creating potential pressure on farming communities if prolonged flooding damages crops.
Road access is another concern, particularly where authorities are monitoring water levels and possible road closures. Restrictions can affect the movement of residents, agricultural products and essential supplies.
At the same time, the declining Mekong levels reported at most Cambodian monitoring stations provide an important counterpoint to the localised flooding. The situation is therefore not uniform across the country: some areas are experiencing direct flooding from heavy rainfall and water flows while major river levels are declining.
The key factor in the coming days will be whether additional heavy rainfall causes water levels in already affected areas to rise again.
What Residents Should Do
Authorities are urging residents in areas affected or forecast to receive heavy rainfall to remain vigilant.
Practical precautions highlighted by the situation include:
- Monitor official weather and water-level updates.
- Follow instructions from provincial and local authorities.
- Avoid unnecessary travel through flooded roads.
- Exercise caution when travelling by boat or near waterways.
- Follow road-closure instructions.
- Prepare for possible evacuation in flood-prone locations.
- Keep emergency equipment and essential supplies ready where flooding risks remain.
Residents should rely on official instructions when deciding whether to travel or evacuate.
Flooding and Cambodia’s Agricultural Sector
The inundation of approximately 10,445 hectares of rice fields is one of the most significant reported impacts of the current flooding.
Rice production is closely connected to rural livelihoods, meaning prolonged flooding can create consequences beyond immediate property damage.
The current report does not provide details on the extent of crop losses or the economic value of the affected rice fields. Those impacts would therefore require further assessment after water levels recede.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Cambodian families have been affected by the flooding?
According to the National Committee for Disaster Management, 16,789 families had been affected as of Saturday.
How many families have been evacuated?
Authorities had evacuated 2,016 families to safe areas.
How many provinces are affected?
Flooding has affected 10 provinces and 39 cities and districts.
Which provinces are affected?
The affected provinces are Kratie, Tboung Khmum, Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom, Battambang, Pailin, Pursat, Preah Vihear, Siem Reap and Banteay Meanchey.
How much agricultural land has been flooded?
Approximately 10,445 hectares of rice fields have been inundated.
Are Mekong River levels still rising?
According to the Cambodian National Mekong Committee report cited in the source, river levels at nearly all monitoring stations in Cambodia, including from Stung Treng downstream, were declining compared with the previous day.
Is more rain expected?
Yes. Moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast in parts of western and southwestern Cambodia and northeastern Thailand, with rainfall also possible across a number of Cambodian provinces.
Are authorities preparing for more evacuations?
Yes. Provincial administrations in affected areas have instructed local authorities to prepare personnel, rescue equipment and available resources to respond to flooding and evacuate residents from flood-prone areas when necessary.