Banteay Meanchey provincial authorities prepare additional safe havens in Serey Sophon town as severe flooding hits 6 towns and districts

Banteay Meanchey: The Banteay Meanchey Provincial Administrative Unity Command, led by Mr. Om Ratay, the provincial governor, led a team to conduct an emergency intervention operation to prepare additional safe shelters in several locations and build temporary shelters (Black China Market) for residents on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. The rapid response came after heavy rains hit six districts (Seri Sophon, Poipet, Ochrov, Malai, Phnom Sokh and Mongkol Borey) and affected 3,562 families (14,531 people), while the water level of the Serei Sophon River rose to 7.65 meters, reaching an emergency level.

In the rescue mission throughout the night and today, a combined force including the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, the police, and the Royal Cambodian Military Police transported supplies, erected tents, and set up clean water, electricity, and sanitation systems at safe locations to facilitate accommodation for the victims. As of Tuesday afternoon, authorities have successfully evacuated 1,663 families (equal to 6,165 people, including 3,016 women and 1,011 children) of the severely affected residents to safety, while the water in the Sreng, O Bei Chon and O Spean rivers continues to rise alarmingly.

According to an official report from the Banteay Meanchey provincial administration, the disaster caused severe damage, with 17.06 hectares of rice fields affected (including 416 hectares of newly planted rice), 65 hectares of cassava, 2 hectares of mixed crops, and 60 livestock. At the same time, the flood submerged 15 schools, 8 monasteries, 3 health centers, and blocked 257 public roads (total length 130,489 meters).

To ensure the safety of citizens, the provincial authorities have ordered the combined forces to remain on duty 24 hours a day. 24 hours a day in safe shelters to facilitate living, provide food, health care and protect the security of citizens. At the same time, authorities also called on citizens living along rivers and low-lying areas to increase their vigilance and quickly move to safe shelters that have been prepared to avoid eventual accidents.