Heavy rain until 30 September: how to stay safe during floods

Heavy rain is forecast to continue across parts of Cambodia until 30 September, and flooding has already hit Battambang and Pailin provinces. Floods can rise quickly, especially near rivers, streams and low-lying land. Here is what you can do to stay safe.

Before the water rises

• Follow the news and warnings from local authorities and the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology.
• Keep phones charged and save the numbers of your village chief and local authorities.
• Prepare a small bag with drinking water, dry food, medicine, a torch, and copies of important documents such as ID cards and land papers.
• Move rice, animal feed, valuables and electrical items to a higher place.
• Plan where your family will go if you need to leave, and how you will get there.

During a flood

• Leave early if authorities tell you to evacuate. Do not wait until the water is deep.
• Never walk, ride or drive through fast-moving water. Just 15 cm of moving water can knock a person over, and 60 cm can carry away a car.
• Keep children away from rivers, canals and floodwater at all times. Drowning is the biggest danger for children during floods.
• Stay away from fallen power lines and switch off electricity at home if water is coming inside.

After the flood

• Drink only boiled, bottled or treated water. Floodwater can carry diseases such as diarrhoea.
• Wash hands with soap often, especially before eating and after cleaning.
• Throw away food that has touched floodwater.
• Clean and dry your home before moving back in, and watch for snakes that may have entered.
• See a health worker quickly if anyone in the family has fever, diarrhoea or skin infections.

Help your neighbours

Check on elderly neighbours, people with disabilities and families with small children. Share official warnings with your community, but avoid sharing unconfirmed rumours on social media.

If you are in danger, contact your local authorities or the nearest police post immediately.