Source: Khmer Times
Almost every part of the country is expected to experience rain on Saturday. KT/Chor Sokunthea
Prime Minister Hun Sen has called on the public to take care as the country braces for unseasonable storms until Sunday.
The prime minister issued his warning on Facebook as the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology predicted heavy rain all week.
“Please be careful to avoid accidents caused by storms and lightning,” he said.
Lim Keanhor, the Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology, said winds from the South China Sea, a front of high pressure and the release of heat from the Earth’s crust have converged to create the unseasonable weather.
“Provinces in the central plains, highland areas of the northeast and coastal areas of the south will be affected by rains from April 4 to 9,” he said. Almost every part of the country is expected to be hit by rain on Saturday.
“All ministries, public institutes and local authorities should provide the public with information about staying safe during rainstorms and lightning,” Mr. Keanhor said.
According to the National Committee for Disaster Management, 31 storms occurred in the first quarter of this year, killing six and injuring 19 people.
It said 500 houses, schools, pagodas and administrative buildings were also affected in Preah Vihear, Battambang, Pailin, Ordor Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Takeo, Kampong Speu, Pursat, Siem Reap and Rattanakiri provinces.
Kem Sokha, the director of environment in Pailin province, said that run-off from the rains had caused local rivers and canals to turn red.
“We have had three days of rainfall already. There is a lot of construction work going on in the area so run-off from the land has turned the water dirty and red,” Mr. Sokha said.
He added the water should clear in the next few days, urging local residents not to be alarmed by the color change, which was mainly caused by soil.
