PhnomPenhPost-Nov 12, 2026
Cambodia has been struck by 32 major storms so far this year — more than in either 2025 or 2024 — but continues to record below-average rainfall. With the El Niño weather phenomenon expected to affect the Kingdom until early 2027, serious concerns are being raised over water shortages and drought risks. Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology Thor Chetha chaired a November 11 meeting on preparations and response measures for El Niño. He noted that Cambodia is experiencing the effects of the phenomenon, which typically brings higher temperatures, prolonged dry conditions, reduced rainfall and increased risks of drought and forest fires. “The impact in 2026 is that we have had more storms but less rainfall. So far, there have been 32 storms, compared with 27 in 2025 and 25 in 2024,” he said. Chetha warned that forecasts indicated that El Niño could continue affecting Cambodia until February 2027. Temperatures are also expected to rise by between 1.5 and 3 degrees Celsius above normal from February to April, he said. The situation requires greater attention to protecting water sources and conserving supplies, with priority given first to household consumption and then to dry-season rice cultivation and other agricultural activities, he added.
The water resources ministry has introduced a range of preparedness and response measures, including repairing, restoring and maintaining irrigation systems and reservoirs; improving water management and conserving water sources; and maintaining hydrological and meteorological monitoring stations. Other measures include preparing for emergency interventions and practical responses, raising public awareness and strengthening cooperation with relevant ministries and institutions. Read more at:
