Riverbank collapses in Phnom Penh
Fifty metres of riverbank in Chroy Changvar district collapsed on Saturday amid rising water levels in the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers which have caused the Cambodian capital’s riverside regions to flood.
According to Klang Huot, the district governor, traffic has been impacted by the collapse in Prek Takong village.
Huot said that the incident occurred when portions of a 20-metre tall bank gave way.
“We ordered the departments of transportation and water resources to work together on the repair,” he said, adding that there hasn’t been any additional erosion damage.
He said that after the collapse, authorities used stones to reinforce the surrounding area as a temporary measure, but they are waiting for ministry officials to provide a permanent solution.
Brak Sophea, whose home is less than a metre from the collapsed section, had her family move out with their belongings and currently live with a relative. Five other families did the same.
“I heard the collapse. We don’t dare stay at home,” she said.
Sophea noticed that about 100 metres of riverbank have collapsed so far, destroying two homes already.