AKP Phnom Penh, August 25, 2026 --

Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has called for timely preparations and interventions in response to rising Mekong River water levels and flooding in some areas, stressing that the protection of people’s lives and safety must remain the top priority.

“Please examine the situation and prepare interventions, giving priority to the lives and safety of the people,” he said at the inauguration ceremony of sections of National Road No. 73, Provincial Road No. 377 and Provincial Road No. 377A with a combined length of 98.405 kilometres, financed by World Bank, in Kratie provincial city on Tuesday.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet acknowledged that it is impossible to prevent natural disasters completely, but stressed the importance of building resilience through an effective response system capable of addressing risks and challenges arising from natural disasters.

“We do not have the capacity to prevent natural disasters 100 percent, but we must build resilience, especially a working system that can respond to risks arising from natural disasters,” he said.

The Prime Minister further emphasised the need for authorities and relevant institutions to monitor developments closely and address problems as they arise, ensuring that necessary measures are implemented in a timely manner.

His remarks came amid rising Mekong River water levels this year, with flooding reported in some areas in Kratie, Thbong Khmum, etc. The call underscores the importance of preparedness, early intervention and coordinated emergency response to minimise the impact of flooding on communities and protect the safety and livelihoods of affected people.

By Heng Panha