Kampong Speu – On Monday, October 16, 2023, H.E. Chea Somethy, the Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, along with H.E. Vy Samnang, the Governor of Kampong Speu Province, extended their support to 117 families impacted by recent floods in the province.
H.E. Chea Somethy, accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, conducted an on-site assessment of the flood situation resulting from heavy rainfall. They visited 117 affected families from 97 houses within Prey Nok village, Snam Krapeu commune, Kong Pisei district, Kampong Speu province, who had sought refuge at Botum Wan Pagoda.
During this visit, H.E. Chea Somethy conveyed heartfelt messages from the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Samdech Hun Manet, and the First Lady, Dr. Pech Chanmony Hun Manet, as well as the former Prime Minister, Samdech Hun Sen, and Samdech Bun Rany Hun Sen, emphasizing their unwavering concern for the welfare of the Cambodian people.
H.E. Chea Somethy highlighted the prevailing atmosphere of peace, political stability, security, and social harmony in Cambodia. This environment has provided a favorable opportunity for all Cambodians to enhance their quality of life and contribute to accelerated socio-economic development across various sectors.
Furthermore, the Minister of Social Affairs stressed the importance of personal hygiene to prevent potential pandemics and urged residents to prepare for the restoration of vegetable crops following the flood. He encouraged them to focus on economic recovery and livelihood improvement while prioritizing the health and well-being of their family members. H.E. Chea Somethy also advised vigilance against dangerous animals that could pose a threat.
H.E. Chea Somethy requested the local authorities facilitate the safe evacuation of both residents and their livestock to avoid potential risks in the event of further flooding.
The Minister of Social Affairs also distributed food aid to flood victims, which included 25 kg of rice, a package of fermented fish, a package of fish sauce, a package of soy sauce, and 50,000 KHR per person. Additionally, he made a separate donation of 500,000 KHR to the local pagoda.
It is noteworthy that on Sunday, October 15, 2023, heavy rainfall caused flooding that affected 384 families across Kong Pisei and Basedth districts in eight villages spanning three communes. However, the situation has improved, with water levels receding. The most significantly impacted areas in Kampong Speu province include two villages in Moha Ruessei commune, impacting 150 families; two villages in Prey Vihear commune, with 73 families affected; and four villages in Snam Krapeu commune, affecting 117 families.
The evacuees include elderly and young children, totaling 19 people from two locations. The first group of evacuees, consisting of 17 individuals, took shelter at Botum Wan Pagoda in Snam Krapeu commune, while the second group included two people from Kong Pisei District Referral Hospital.
