(Pursat): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet urged ministries and provincial authorities to identify safe areas for flood evacuations while increasing efforts to retain excess rainwater for use during future droughts.

Speaking on Thursday morning (Oct. 1) at the inauguration of National Road No. 10, connecting Battambang, Pursat and Koh Kong provinces, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said this year’s flooding should provide lessons for improving water management and preparedness for possible El Niño conditions and prolonged drought.

He noted that continued heavy rainfall has filled many reservoirs, with some already releasing excess water, and urged relevant authorities to explore ways to retain more of the water for future use.

“We do not celebrate flooding, but they say every crisis brings an opportunity,” Samdech Thipadei said. “In the next six months, forecasts point to El Niño, prolonged drought and rising temperatures, which could lead to 45 million deaths worldwide.”

“We could face water shortages, so when 50 million cubic metres of rain falls in a day, it is like refilling a reservoir. We must find ways to retain the water and protect against the heat,” he continued.

On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei also instructed authorities to identify elevated areas suitable for emergency evacuations and ordered relevant ministries to assess and repair roads damaged by flooding.
=FRESH NEWS