With temperatures dropping across the country, the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology warned yesterday that the current cold spell could last until the middle of January.
Mountainous and highland provinces–Preah Vihear, Stung Treng, Kratie, Kompong Cham, Ratanakkiri and Mondulkiri–will be most affected, with temperatures hovering between 13 and 15 degrees centigrade.
Lowland areas will see temperatures of about 16 to 18 degrees, according to a notice released by the ministry yesterday.
Phnom Penh, Kandal, Kompong Speu. Takeo. Prey Veng and Svay Rieng provinces will escape the worst of the cold, facing temperatures between 18 and 20 degrees.
RCAF Major General Srey Dek, commander of the Third Division stationed around Preah Vihear temple, said his troops were hardy enough to cope with the cold.
“The temperature…could be around 14 degrees in the night. It will not affect the health of soldiers stationed here,” he said.
Maj Gen Dek said Prime Minister Hun Sen had offered to provide the unit with winter coats, and ordered that improvements be made to the soldiers’ camp.
“We have enough coats,” he said.
Khen Phusy, secretary-general of Ratanakkiri’s provincial office, said the cold weather would not affect villagers there because they were well equipped to deal with the cold.
“If the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius, we will declare an emergency,” he said.
Srey Treav, a villager from Lumchor commune in the province’s O’Yadaw district, said he thought the temperature had dropped earlier this year compared to in previous cool seasons.
On Sunday, the Ministry also released an advisory warning people about potentially high waves and strong winds in coastal areas.
Preah Sihanouk provincial governor Sboang Sarath said the provincial government had made sure people received the warning.
“Our provincial authorities have disseminated this information through radio stations to the people. If someone wants to go to the sea areas, please be careful,” he said.
Uy Sam Ath, director of the Cambodian Red Cross’ disaster management unit, said that the current temperatures were not low enough to be a serious danger.
“I think that it will not cause any problems, but don’t forget about climate change,” he said.
