Battambang bridge closed, Pailin families evacuated as heavy rain swells rivers

Heavy rain in northwest Cambodia has caused rivers to rise fast, forcing authorities in Battambang to close a main bridge and families in Pailin to leave their homes.

The Samdech Kralahom Sar Kheng Bridge over the Sangkae River in Battambang city was temporarily closed on 25 September after the river rose sharply.

Samlot and Pailin hit hardest

Samlot district in Battambang province saw major flooding. Several roads and bridges in the district were under water. Samlot is the main area that feeds water into the Battambang multipurpose reservoir.

The provincial Department of Water Resources and Meteorology said water in the Battambang reservoir rose well above its maximum level because rainwater flowed in so quickly.

In neighbouring Pailin province, floodwater forced some families to evacuate. The provincial governor said authorities worked through the night to open floodgates, and rescue teams remained on standby to help residents.

Residents told to take care

The Battambang provincial administration urged people to be careful near rivers and flooded roads, "particularly children and the elderly."

Why is it raining so much?

Weather officials said the heavy rain, expected from 24 to 30 September, is linked to Tropical Storm Surigae. The storm is far away over the Philippine Sea and is not heading for Cambodia, but it has strengthened the southwest monsoon that brings rain to the region.

Thailand's weather department also reported a strong low-pressure system over Cambodia moving west, and warned of heavy rain and flash floods in the area until at least 27 September.

This is Cambodia's second major flood event this rainy season. In late August, Mekong River flooding affected more than 21,000 families in Kratie, Stung Treng, Tboung Khmum and Kampong Cham provinces.