As many as 10,000 security personnel of the National Police and Military Police will be mobilised to keep order in the city during the Water Festival that runs from November 5-7, according to Phnom Penh governor Pa Socheatevong.

The governor stressed that the capital’s Council will take every measure to ensure the security and safety for tourists during the festival.

Water festival, the biggest annual festival in the country, marks the Tonle Sap River’s annual change of direction. About 3 million Cambodian residents, mainly from rural areas flock to the city to enjoy boating racing on Tonle Sap river.

The festival will be held in Phnom Penh for the first time since 2010 when 353 people were trampled to death or suffocated in a stampede on Koh Pich bridge during the celebration.-VNA