Hun Sen says to be wary of flood dangers

via CAAI

Thursday, 14 October 2010 15:02 Buth Reaksmey Kongkea

PRIME Minister Hun Sen yesterday called on all Cambodians to be aware of the dangers of nationwide floods, as the head of the National Committee for Disaster Management said at least five deaths had been reported since Sunday.

“I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to everyone to be careful about the floods, and I would like to appeal to authorities to rescue our people,” Hun Sen said in a speech at a graduation ceremony held at the National Institute of Education.

The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology said on Monday that low atmospheric pressure would see flooding through yesterday in all lowland areas – including Phnom Penh – as well as across the provinces of Kampong Speu, Prey Veng and Svay Rieng.

Keo Vy, director of the National Committee for Disaster Management, said yesterday that at least five deaths had been confirmed.

Yin Bun Nath, deputy police chief in Preah Sihanouk province, said the body of a Cambodian fisherman was discovered near the island of Koh Takeav yesterday morning.

“The body has now been sent to his family in Kampot province,” he said. “We hope that no more people are missing in the province.”

In Kampong Chhnang, provincial police chief Ath Khen said two men were killed – one who was struck by lightning, and another who drowned.

No details were available for two more deaths cited by Keo Vy, though he noted that they took place in Siem Reap province and in Preah Sihanouk province.

On Tuesday, Van Sokha, secretary to the Kampong Speu provincial governor, said that two men in that province had been killed by electric shocks generated by a power line that was downed by strong winds.

Thoun Chem, a fishing community representative in Koh Kong province’s Kiri Sakor district, said yesterday that 20 fishermen reported missing since Sunday after their boats sank had been found and returned to their homes.