Torn Vibol / Khmer Times

Synopsis: Timely intervention saves most of the harvest while the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology prepares more than 500 water pumps for irrigation.

More than 100,000 hectares of rice fields across seven provinces have been affected by drought linked to El Nino, the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) said, but timely intervention prevented major crop losses.

NCDM spokesman Soth Kimkolmony said rice fields in Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Pursat, Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom, Siem Reap and Ratanakkiri provinces were the most affected by arid weather.

Although the affected area is extensive, he said most rice crops have not suffered significant damage.

“So far, the drought has affected seven provinces, with a total of 108,164 hectares of rice fields impacted,” Kimkolmony said. “We have not experienced any serious damage, only minor losses. The provinces most affected are Battambang and Banteay Meanchey.”

According to NCDM data, Battambang is the hardest hit by drought, with 62,554 hectares of rice fields impacted, followed by Siem Reap (19,503 hectares), Pursat (19,320 hectares), Banteay Meanchey (7,032 hectares), Ratanakiri (4,200 hectares), Kampong Thom (191 hectares) and Kampong Cham (63 hectares). Only 22 hectares of rice fields in Kampong Cham were reported as damaged.

Kimkolmony attributed the water shortage to El Nino, which brought below-average and uneven rainfall during this wet season, while water reserves carried over from the dry season remained low.

“Rainfall over the past few days has helped replenish irrigation water and save rice crops, particularly in Battambang province,” he said. “However, some areas continue to face water shortages, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation and providing assistance where needed.”

He said the NCDM instructed provincial authorities and relevant institutions to monitor conditions and continue implementing response measures. Senior Minister Kun Kim, First Vice-Chairman of the NCDM, led field assessments and coordinated efforts to protect rice crops.

Alongside the NCDM’s response, the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology prepared measures to address water shortages.

In a video posted on the ministry’s Facebook page, Water Resources and Meteorology Minister Thor Chetha said the ministry prepared more than 500 water pumps for emergency deployment.

Around 115 pumps are under the ministry’s direct management, while more than 400 were deployed to provinces and on standby.

“This year, El Nino is more severe than usual,” he said. “Technical studies indicate temperatures could rise by around two degrees Celsius above the annual average, and these conditions may persist for one to one-and-a-half months. We urge citizens and local authorities to conserve water and use it efficiently while the ministry stands ready with personnel and equipment to respond.”

Chetha encouraged farmers to check weather updates through SMS alerts and download the ministry’s mobile app to receive forecasts and warnings about drought and flood risks.

In 2025, drought affected 17 provinces during the dry season, impacting more than 130,000 hectares of rice fields and over 1,500 hectares of other crops. More than 15,000 hectares of rice were damaged, while nearly 110,000 hectares were saved through emergency intervention.

Published Date: July 21, 2026