Widespread flooding leaves at least 31 people dead, more than 150 000 families affected across Cambodia

Extensive flooding has left about 156 137 families affected and at least 31 people dead across Cambodia as of Wednesday, October 21, 2020, as heavy rains have been pounding much of the country since earlier this month. Around 13 318 families have been displaced, more than 73 000 houses and about 640 infrastructures have been inundated, and wide swaths of agricultural land have been ravaged.

Heavy rains since October 1 have resulted in major floods, affecting hundreds of thousands across much of the country.

As of Wednesday, about 156 137 households have been affected in 14 provinces. Battambang has been the worst hit, accounting for 66 088 households affected, 4 592 families displaced, and 316 schools flooded.

In Banteay Meanchey, 29 225 families have been affected, 4 567 displaced, 18 dead, and 195 buildings inundated, including schools and health centers. 

Pursat has been the third-worst hit, with 28 349 households affected, 1 934 families displaced, six dead, and 29 buildings flooded.

Around 5 587 households have been impacted in the capital city Phnom Penh, where 1 593 families have been displaced.

In total, at least 31 people lost their lives; over 73 000 houses, 617 schools, and 23 health centers have been flooded, 1 187 km (1 160 miles) of roads have been affected, as well as 328 228 ha (811 069 acres) of agricultural land.

On Wednesday, Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed his condolences to the bereaved families. He noted that about 10 000 flood-hit families in Banteay Meanchey have received relief kits. 

The total cost of damage from the natural disaster has yet to be identified.

Julie Celestial

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