PHNOM PENH: More than 500 stranded tourists have been evacuated to safety from Khnang Phsar Mountain after flash flooding cut off several access routes to the popular tourist site, in Kampong Speu province.
Ministry of Environment rangers, local authorities and community volunteers relocated 551 visitors to the safety of Oral district’s Tang Bampong village, Monday (July 13) morning, after heavy rainfall over the weekend caused rivers and streams to overflow.
Rescue teams provided emergency food supplies and temporary accommodation for the stranded visitors while weather conditions improved.
Environment minister Eang Sophalleth said the ministry is continuing to monitor the impact of severe weather across the Kingdom’s protected areas.
He noted that the ministry has strengthened emergency preparedness in protected areas in recent years by working with partner organisations to improve first-aid capacity in local communities and enhance coordination for emergency response and disaster preparedness.
The Khnang Phsar community issued a public advisory warning that persistent heavy rain from July 11 to 13 had caused flooding along streams, rivers and mountain access roads, making travel by motorcycle impossible.
The flooding stranded tourists and vehicles, forcing visitors to remain at eco-lodges and campsites until conditions improved. The community said all tourists remained safe and that food and accommodation were available throughout the disruption.
Meanwhile, the Chi Phat Ecotourism Community in Koh Kong province also warned that heavy overnight rain from July 11 into July 12 caused mountain runoff to surge, resulting in dangerously high water levels in the Chi Phat River and nearby waterfalls.
The strong currents temporarily halted ferry crossings and made access to several attractions unsafe.
Community leaders urged tourists camping near rivers, streams and waterfalls to move to higher ground and exercise extreme caution.
Visitors planning to view waterfalls were advised to avoid sitting in riverside shelters or other areas close to fast-flowing water until conditions return to normal.- The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
