AKP Phnom Penh, March 31, 2025 --

Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology, H.E. Thor Chetha, led a technical team to inspect the Ta Sal Reservoir in Kampong Speu province following the recent magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Myanmar. 

The inspection, conducted on Mar. 30, aimed to assess potential structural damage to the vital water infrastructure.

The Ta Sal Reservoir, located in Ta Sal commune, Oral district, constructed in 2011 with Indian government funding, boasts a 150 million cubic metre storage capacity and a 465 square kilometre catchment area. Key features include a 720-metre-long concrete dam, a 92.5-metre spillway, and associated infrastructure.

Nhanh Cheap Horng, Director of the Kampong Speu Provincial Department of Water Resources and Meteorology, highlighted the reservoir's crucial role in flood control for the Prek Thnot River, agricultural irrigation, ecological preservation, and providing water for local communities, particularly during dry seasons. The reservoir has also become a popular tourist destination.

Minister Thor Chetha instructed all provincial and municipal water resource departments managing large reservoirs and hydrological infrastructure to immediately deploy technical teams to evaluate potential earthquake damage. He emphasised the need for prompt reporting of findings to the Ministry.

The inspection followed the Mar. 28 earthquake, which struck 16 kilometres northwest of Sagaing city, Myanmar, at a depth of 10 kilometres. The seismic event, while significantly impacting Myanmar and surrounding countries, had a minimal effect on Cambodia.

The Ministry's proactive inspection underscores the government's commitment to ensuring the safety and functionality of critical water infrastructure in the wake of regional seismic activity.

Article in Khmer by Lim San
Article in English by K. Rithy Reak