The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology has issued severe weather warnings, noting that members of the public should exercise caution.
It explained that Cambodia is currently being affected by a weather system that may result in more rain, thunderstorms and lightning than usual, from September 18 to 23.
The ministry noted that the Kingdom is currently under the influence of a tropical depression in the South China Sea, which is moving towards the central coastal region of Vietnam and the central Mekong basin.
This depression, along with the southwest monsoon, is having a strong impact on Cambodia. These conditions are expected to cause extensive cloud cover, with above-normal rain, thunderstorms and lightning across the Kingdom, accompanied by moderate southwesterly winds and occasional strong winds.
In the coastal regions, the water resources ministry urged the public, fishermen and local authorities to remain particularly careful of conditions at sea, noting that tidal surges and high waves were likely.
Heavy downpours have already affected part of the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, with the road surface submerged at the 169 kilometre marker on the morning of September 18. However, the floodwaters had receded by the afternoon, and the road remains open.
According to the Preah Sihanouk provincial administration, continuous rain and gusting winds from midnight on September 17 caused severe flash floods, affecting 27 families in Village 1 and 24 families in Village 2 of Stung Hav district’s O'Tres commune.
On September 18, provincial governor Mang Sineth personally inspected the flood situation along a canal in nearby Prey Nop district, where several homes were also submerged.
The governor instructed the district authorities and armed forces to continue to monitor the weather conditions closely. He ordered them to be prepared to assist vulnerable citizens, such as the elderly and children, to evacuate to safe locations should it become necessary.