Cambodia, Storm in Oddar Meanchey

Initial report from the Phnom Penh Post = A fierce storm in Oddar Meanchey province damaged over 100 houses across five villages, and left two women injured on Monday evening, 5 March 2018. Un Sopheak, Samrong town governor, said that 50 of the homes were completely destroyed, while 67 more sustained severe damage to their roofs. “At this moment, 55 joint authority forces have intervened and deconstructed the damaged and collapsed houses so that they can repair them for the people … Authority forces are preparing a makeshift settlement,” Sopheak added. The Ministry of Meteorology and Water Resources issued an announcement on Monday warning that heavy rains and storms would continue across seven provinces in northern Cambodia from March 6 to 9. Koh Kong, Kampong Speu, Pursat, Battambang, Pailin, Banteay Meanchey and Siem Reap are all expected to be affected. However, Keo Vy, spokesman for the National Committee for Disaster Management, said the rains began March 3. Vy said at least 133 houses and two schools have been damaged in Battambang, Pailin and Oddar Meanchey so far.