Drought intensifies in northeast Cambodia

The severe drought in northeast Cambodia is forecast to further worsen this week, the Mekong River Commission (MRC) warned. Elsewhere across the country, more rain is expected until August 11, according to the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MOWRAM).

The dry spell around the Sekong, Sesan, and Srepok rivers are set to intensify this week and expand to large areas of Rattanakiri and Stung Treng provinces by Sunday, August 9.

The dry conditions are also forecast to extend to a portion of southern Laos, while severe drought is expected to hit Kratie and Mondulkiri provinces, as well as Vietnam's Central Highland.

Moderate drought conditions will reach central Laos and adjacent areas in northeast Thailand on the same day.

"Low-density rainfall in July is the main factor causing deficit soil moisture in the two driest areas of the LMB during the forecasting week," said the MRC Flood and Drought Management Center.

Elsewhere across Cambodia, low to heavy rain is forecast until August 11, MOWRAM said in a new forecast. People were advised to remain alert as thunderstorms, wind gusts, and high waves may take place.

During this period, temperatures in central lowland areas may vary between 25 and 32 °C (77 and 90 °F), 23 to 30 °C (73 to 86 °F) in the mountainous areas in the north and northeast, and between 24 and 32 °C (75 and 90 °F) in the coastal areas.

Featured image credit: missmei