Authorities in Battambang province have instructed residents to remain vigilant after several days of heavy rain drove the water level of the Sangke River in Battambang town rose to the alert threshold.
Battambang provincial governor Sok Lou took to social media today, September 2, to warn residents.
“The water level of the Sangke River in Battambang town has reached the alert stage, but it will recede soon if there is no more rain upstream. We urge residents along the river, especially in Ek Phnom district, to remain cautious,” he said.
The provincial administration informed the public that the water level at the Samdech Techo Hun Sen Bridge in Battambang town had risen to 13.76 metres, which is considered the danger level. The river was continuing to rise, due to runoff from heavy rainfall in upstream areas.
In light of this, the authorities called on all residents — particularly those living along the Sangke River and in flood-prone areas — to increase their vigilance. Families are urged not to allow young children to play in the water, to properly secure their valuables and important documents, and to prepare to move to safe shelters in the event of flooding.
The administration also instructed all levels of local authorities to be ready with intervention plans and appropriate evacuation sites in case of emergencies. In addition, officials were told to raise awareness among residents about health and hygiene to help prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases.
Heavy rainfall from August 29 to September 1 caused flooding across three provinces, impacting nearly 700 families and damaging around 200 hectares of farmland in Siem Reap, Battambang and Kratie, according to the Ministry of Information.
The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology has forecast that from August 30 to September 3, many provinces across Cambodia will experience heavy rainfall, strong winds, thunderstorms, and squalls. Affected areas include Mondulkiri, Ratanakkiri, Stung Treng, Kratie, Preah Vihear, Siem Reap, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Pailin, Battambang, Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom, the Dangrek mountain range and the Cardamom Mountains.
The coastal provinces of Koh Kong, Preah Sihanouk, Kampot and Kep are experiencing rough seas, with swells reaching up to 2.5 metres.
