PHNOM PENH: Police in Kampong Speu province rescued a 19-year-old woman who became stranded at a reservoir after rapidly rising floodwaters swept through the area, as heavy rainfall triggered flash flooding in parts of several provinces across Cambodia.
The incident occurred on July 12 at the Peam Puol reservoir in Beng village, Chambak commune, Phnom Sruoch district, where persistent rain caused water levels to rise suddenly.
According to the provincial police, the woman became trapped while attempting to cross a swollen waterway. Strong currents swept her away before she managed to cling to a tree branch as torrential rain continued and water levels surged.
Police officers, working alongside village security volunteers, launched a rescue operation and safely brought her back to shore after more than three hours.
Officials urged residents living near mountains, reservoirs, rivers and streams to exercise extreme caution during the rainy season, warning that runoff from heavy rainfall can cause water levels to rise rapidly and create dangerous currents capable of sweeping people away.
Heavy rain on Sunday also affected several other areas across the country, including Kampong Seila district in Preah Sihanouk province, Samlot district in Battambang province, and Sre Ambel district and the Chi Phat area in Koh Kong province.
Battambang Provincial Police said torrential rain that began on the night of July 11 caused flash flooding to return to Samlot district, with fast-flowing water inundating low-lying areas and washing over several roads, temporarily cutting off access to some communities.
The authorities in the in affected areas were ordered to remain on high alert and prepare emergency response teams, to evacuate residents to higher ground, if necessary, while units downstream were also told to remain on standby in case further assistance was required. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
