Background
The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MOWRAM) coordinates technical riverbank inspections and emergency response planning through its Directorate of Hydrology and River Works. On 6 October 2026, a MOWRAM-led team inspected two riverbank breaches in Prek Saamun commune, Chhloung district, Kratie province that together measured 90 metres in length.
Local assessments reported structural damage to concrete roads and seven houses at the two inspected sites, and identified a wider zone with approximately 1,200 metres of bank erosion affecting 137 riverside dwellings, equivalent to about 187 families. The provincial water resources working group recommended immediate hazard marking, traffic management, and community alerting to reduce risk to residents and road users.
Key Developments
Deputy Secretary of State Run Tou led the technical inspection on behalf of MOWRAM and coordinated field teams from the Directorate of Hydrology and River Works together with provincial authorities. The inspection focused on two breach locations within Prek Saamun commune where localized collapses had undermined a concrete road and damaged several houses.
Institutional Role
MOWRAM’s technical teams conducted on-site verification in collaboration with provincial land and governor’s office representatives to assess immediate risks and recommend emergency measures. Provincial authorities were instructed to set up hazard zones and to deploy teams for traffic coordination and community liaison.
Operational Implications
Recommended emergency actions included establishing marked danger zones, installing barriers and reflective signage or lights for night visibility, creating a safe detour route, and stationing personnel to manage traffic and prevent crossings in the most hazardous stretches. The team also advised using village chiefs and public-address systems to issue timely warnings, with a particular emphasis on restricting access for children near unstable banks.
