PHNOM PENH, Oct 17 (NNN-AKP) – Flash floods in Cambodia, have so far left 18 people dead and forced the evacuation of 25,192 people, Seak Vichet, a spokesman for the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM), said.
Tropical storm-triggered rains, caused floods in 19 of the kingdom’s 25 cities and provinces, since the beginning of the month, he said, adding that, 212,676 people have also been affected by the floods.
“By Friday (yesterday), the floods have killed 18 people, including eight children,” Vichet said, adding that, the worst-hit provinces included Pursat, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, and Kandal, as well as, south-western suburb of Phnom Penh.
The floods have also inundated 51,133 houses and 204,650 hectares of rice and other crops, the spokesman said. So far, 12,958 hectares of the affected rice and other crops, have been destroyed.
Transportation has also been disrupted, as several major roads in the worst-hit provinces have been closed.
Water Resources and Meteorology Minister, Lim Keanhor, said, further rain, wind and high waves are expected in the next three days, because the kingdom is suffering from the impact of tropical storm Saudel, which could lead to further flooding.
“People living in plains, along waterways and near mountains, fishermen and sea travellers should be extra-vigilant, to avoid any possible dangers,” he said in a press statement.
Floods usually hit Cambodia between Aug and Oct. Last year, flash floods claimed 30 lives and storms killed eight people and injured 131 others, according to the NCDM.– NNN-AKP