Thursday, 25 September 2008

Massive flooding in Preah Vihear

The Phnom Penh Post

Written by Thet Sambath
Wednesday, 24 September 2008

HEAVY rains have caused floods in at least four of Preah Vihear's seven districts, especially along the Stueng Sen River, provincial Deputy Governor Long Sovann said Tuesday.

"At least four districts have been flooded by rain and the rising Stueng Sen River. Some places have been seriously damaged by this flood," said Long Sovann, adding that Tbeng Meanchey, Rovieng, Chey Sen and Kulen districts have been particularly affected.

"I do not have any reports of people's property being damaged, but we believe some rice and farm crops have been destroyed," Long Sovann said, adding that officials are working hard to ascertain the extent of the damage.

Worse to come?

While the water level is still lower than it was last year, some fear that the situation will worsen as the rain continues.

Mao Pov, police chief in Preah Vihear province, said that heavy rains have affected almost all districts and that the water level continues to rise.

"A provincial town located on a hill in Tbeng Meanchey district is currently surrounded by water. Farmers from nearby villagers have been forced to relocate to the small town to avoid the flood," Mao Pov said, adding that the water level continues to rise.

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