Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet has reaffirmed the Royal Government’s commitment to supporting communities affected by widespread flooding, as authorities distribute emergency food supplies and rice seeds to affected families in Battambang Province. The latest floods have affected approximately 120,000 households across seven provinces and cities, with Battambang accounting for more than half of the reported impact.
Speaking at a relief distribution ceremony at Battambang Airport on October 30, 2026, the Prime Minister said the government would remain present during periods of hardship and continue supporting affected communities through emergency response and post-disaster recovery.
Key Facts
Date: October 30, 2026
Location: Battambang Airport, Battambang Province
National impact: Approximately 120,000 households affected across seven provinces and cities
Battambang impact: More than 60,000 affected families, according to the Prime Minister
Agricultural damage in Battambang: 123,072 hectares of rice fields affected, including 74,388 hectares reported ruined
Other crops: 16,374 hectares of horticultural and industrial crops affected, with 8,680 hectares destroyed
Human impact: Eight deaths reported in Battambang due to drowning and electrical accidents
Government priorities: Rescue and evacuation, public health and welfare at temporary shelters, and post-disaster recovery
Hun Manet Says Government Will Stand by Flood-Affected Communities
During the distribution ceremony, Hun Manet reaffirmed the government's commitment to assisting citizens during difficult circumstances.
“Whenever citizens face difficulties, the Royal Government is always present,” he said, highlighting the role of government institutions, local administrations, ministries and armed forces in supporting affected communities.
The Prime Minister also thanked provincial and municipal authorities, local administrations, armed forces, specialised departments and healthcare workers for their involvement in rescue operations and the management of emergency food assistance.
He called on the public to maintain confidence in the country's leadership and highlighted the importance of national solidarity in responding to crises.
Reflecting on Cambodia's experience over the past three decades, Hun Manet referred to the country's history of civil conflict and economic hardship, saying the government had continued working to overcome challenges and rebuild the nation.
Flooding Affects Around 120,000 Households Across Seven Provinces and Cities
According to the Prime Minister, recent widespread flooding has affected approximately 120,000 households across seven provinces and cities.
Battambang accounts for more than half of the national total, with over 60,000 affected families, he said.
The flooding was intensified by the unusual combination of heavy rainfall and rising river levels, creating difficult conditions for communities in affected areas.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the consecutive challenges experienced by communities along the Cambodia–Thailand border, including border closures, border incursions and natural disasters.
He commended residents for their resilience in facing these difficulties.
Battambang Reports Extensive Agricultural Damage
A report presented by Battambang Governor Sok Lou detailed significant damage to the province's agricultural sector and households.
The report identified the following impacts:
| Category | Reported impact |
|---|---|
| Rice fields affected | 123,072 hectares |
| Rice fields ruined | 74,388 hectares |
| Mature rice affected | 15,638 hectares |
| Horticultural and industrial crops affected | 16,374 hectares |
| Horticultural and industrial crops destroyed | 8,680 hectares |
| Families affected | 58,103 |
| Households suffering severe losses | 35,704 |
The agricultural damage represents a substantial challenge for farming communities, particularly households whose livelihoods depend on rice cultivation and other crops.
The report also noted that 58,103 families were affected across Battambang, including 35,704 households that suffered severe losses.
The figures indicate the scale of the recovery challenge facing provincial authorities and affected communities.
Eight People Reported Dead in Battambang
The Prime Minister said eight people had died in Battambang during the flooding, with the reported causes including drowning and electrical accidents.
Emergency operations also evacuated tens of thousands of residents and thousands of families to safer areas.
The figures underline the importance of evacuation operations and public safety measures during periods of heavy flooding, particularly in communities exposed to rising water levels and electrical hazards.
Hun Manet expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
Government Outlines Three Priorities for Emergency Response and Recovery
The Prime Minister outlined three key priorities guiding the government's response to the flooding.
1. Saving lives and evacuating residents
Authorities are prioritising the rescue of people in danger and the evacuation of residents to safe areas.
2. Maintaining public health and welfare
The government is working to maintain essential health and welfare support for people staying in temporary shelters.
3. Implementing post-disaster recovery
Recovery efforts are intended to help affected communities address the consequences of the flooding and begin rebuilding their livelihoods.
The distribution of rice seeds and emergency food supplies in Battambang forms part of the assistance being provided to affected residents.
Angkor Times Analysis: Agricultural Recovery Will Be Critical for Battambang
The flooding presents two interconnected challenges for Battambang: immediate humanitarian needs and the longer-term recovery of agricultural livelihoods.
The reported loss of 74,388 hectares of rice fields is particularly significant because farming households may face reduced production and income in the aftermath of the disaster. The additional damage to horticultural and industrial crops adds pressure on communities that depend on diversified agricultural activities.
The distribution of rice seeds is therefore an important recovery measure, but its effectiveness will depend on whether farmers can return to cultivation under suitable conditions. Access to agricultural inputs, land assessments, planting schedules and continued support will influence how quickly affected households can resume production.
The government's three priorities, saving lives, maintaining welfare at temporary shelters and supporting post-disaster recovery, address different stages of the emergency. The next challenge will be translating emergency assistance into sustained support for households that have suffered severe agricultural losses.
For Battambang, recovery will require coordination between provincial authorities, agricultural departments, local administrations and affected communities. Accurate assessments of damaged farmland and household losses will be essential for directing assistance to those most in need.
The national estimate of approximately 120,000 affected households also highlights the importance of coordinating relief and recovery resources across all seven affected provinces and cities, rather than focusing exclusively on the hardest-hit areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many households have been affected by flooding in Cambodia?
Prime Minister Hun Manet said approximately 120,000 households across seven provinces and cities had been affected.
How badly has Battambang been affected?
Battambang accounts for more than 60,000 affected families, according to the Prime Minister. A provincial report recorded 58,103 affected families, including 35,704 households suffering severe losses.
How much agricultural land was affected in Battambang?
The provincial report recorded 123,072 hectares of affected rice fields, alongside 16,374 hectares of affected horticultural and industrial crops.
How many people died in Battambang during the floods?
Eight deaths were reported in Battambang due to drowning and electrical accidents.
What assistance is the government providing?
The assistance highlighted at the October 30 ceremony included rice seeds and emergency food supplies. The government's wider response also includes evacuation, support for public health and welfare at temporary shelters, and post-disaster recovery.
What are the government's three main flood-response priorities?
The priorities are saving lives through rescue and evacuation, maintaining public health and welfare at temporary shelters, and carrying out post-disaster recovery.