The administration in Preah Vihear province’s Chheb district is currently assessing the impact of flooding that occurred after several days of heavy rains. Authorities in Stung Treng province’s Thala Parivat district have also reported heavy flooding, noting that around 1,000 people have been impacted.

No casualties have been reported.

Heavy downpours occurred in Chheb district’s Chok Chhey and Sambo villages in Sangke 2 commune and Sangke village in Sangke 1 commune, said acting district governor Oum Sophoeun on July 16. 

“It rained for two days in a row. The downpour damaged about 7km of road and four bridges, as well as some crops, rice and homes. Commune authorities are now collecting data about the extent of the damage,” he explained.

He added that Chok Chhey and Sambo villages were the worst affected, with Chok Chhey Primary School completely flooded, causing students to miss school on July 15. However, he noted that the floodwaters have now receded and the pupils have returned to their classrooms.

“Apart from damage to roads and bridges, nothing was badly affected. The water receded quickly and did not cause much trouble. Roads, bridges and sewers were the most affected,” he said.

National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) spokesman Soth Kimkolmony acknowledged that recent rain has caused flash floods in Chbeb and Thala Parivat districts. 

He noted that in Chheb, water levels have almost returned to normal.

“The floodwaters have almost gone. Last night there was some light rain, but it did not cause any problems,” he said.

“In Stung Treng province, the water levels in some places remain high but are stable, while some parts are rising due to heavy rain last night. Flood conditions continue,” he added.

San Saroeurn, governor of Thala Parivat district, explained that 226 houses – home to about 1,000 people – had been affected by the flooding.

“No evacuation order was necessary, as the water flooded beneath their houses.

Water levels at Mekong hydrological stations were reported to be rising on July 16. 

In Stung Treng province, the water level was 5.60 metres and expected to reach 5.86m on the 19th. In Kratie, The two figures were 13.89m and 14.37m respectively, while in Kampong Cham, a level of 7.30m was recorded on the 16th and expected to climb to 7.95m on the 19th. 

The Stung Treng provincial meteorology department announced that from July 15 to 18, an active low-pressure front will be present above the South China Sea, then head west into Vietnam and Lao. The depression will affect the Stung Treng province, bringing heavy rainclouds, thunder and lightning.

The department issued a notice for residents to remain vigilant about the conditions, particularly high winds and heavy rains.