The first significant rainfall of the dry season swept across several parts of Cambodia on Thursday, February 26, disrupting the living conditions of a number of displaced families sheltering in Banteay Meanchey province, local authorities said.
The sudden downpour began in the afternoon and quickly triggered localised flash flooding in low-lying areas, catching residents off guard as temperatures dropped sharply after weeks of dry heat.
Banteay Meanchey governor Oum Reatrey said the heavy rain did not blow away tents at displacement sites but affected several families living on lower ground.
“The heavy rain yesterday did not cause the tents of displaced people to be blown away. However, it affected some families staying in low-lying rice field areas,” he told The Post.
He said provincial authorities were moving swiftly to mitigate the impact.
“Right now, working groups are acting urgently to assist them. We have prepared to relocate those in low-lying areas to higher ground, where tents and electrical systems have been set up to accommodate them,” he added.
The rainfall marks an unusual shift in weather patterns during what is typically a dry period.
According to the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, the changing conditions are the result of a volatile northeast monsoon interacting with moisture from the South China Sea.
The ministry warned that from February 27 to March 1, the central plains — including Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Pursat, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh — could experience rain and gusty winds covering up to 25 per cent of the area.
Average temperatures in the plains are forecast to range between 22°C and 35°C, with northeast and easterly winds at around three metres per second.
Plateau regions such as Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear are expected to see lighter rainfall, affecting about 15 per cent of the area, while coastal provinces including Koh Kong and Sihanoukville could experience rain across 30 per cent of their territory. Ocean swells are forecast to reach up to one metre.
Although no major damage has been reported so far in Banteay Meanchey, the rainfall has underscored the vulnerability of displaced communities living in temporary shelters, particularly those situated in open or low-lying farmland.
Provincial authorities said they remain on alert should further rainfall occur in the coming days, with contingency plans focused on relocation, basic infrastructure reinforcement and ensuring access to electricity and essential services.
