AKP Phnom Penh, September 28, 2026 --

Authorities in Cambodia's northwestern province of Banteay Meanchey have evacuated over 1,300 families to safer grounds as flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall and runoff from neighbouring Thailand hit five city and districts.

According to a preliminary report by the Banteay Meanchey Provincial Administration, five out of nine city and districts in the province have been affected by the surging waters as of Sunday. A total of more than 1,480 families have been impacted across the affected areas, with over 1,300 families relocated to designated safe sites to ensure their safety.

The border city of Poipet has borne the brunt of the flooding, where rising waters along the border stream forced local authorities to step up emergency measures and continuous evacuations.

As of 6:00 p.m. Sunday, more than 1,200 families in Poipet had been evacuated to nine government-prepared shelters, while others sought refuge with relatives.

H.E. Pankhem Bunthan, Head of the Royal Government Working Group for Poipet, noted that while rain-induced floodwaters in the city centre have begun to recede, continued runoff from Thailand continues to strain local infrastructure and inundate surrounding areas.

Joint forces – comprising local authorities, police, military police, and the armed forces - have deployed rescue teams and emergency equipment, including 45 rescue and inflatable boats dispatched by lawmaker H.E. Ke Kim Yan, to facilitate evacuations and secure property.

Beyond residential damage, the floods have submerged over 12,000 hectares of rice fields, with nearly 100 hectares reported completely destroyed. Schools, pagodas, health centres, and key roadways have also suffered varying degrees of damage.

Banteay Meanchey Governor H.E. Oum Reatrey has instructed local administrations across all nine city and districts to maintain round-the-clock monitoring of water levels and prepare further emergency evacuations if conditions worsen.

Emergency relief, including food, medical supplies, and temporary shelter, is actively being distributed to affected residents.

Article in Khmer by Chhun Sarath
Article in English by K. Rithy Reak