Almost all provinces in Cambodia facing drought hinh anh 1A human shadow on a dried field in Cambodian province of Oddor Meanchey. (Source: VNA)

Phnom Penh (VNA) – The majority of provinces in Cambodia are facing some level of drought, with a few confronting a severe shortage of water, local newspapers reported on March 23.

The provinces of Kampong Cham, Banteay Meanchey, Oddor Meanchey and Kampong Thom and others are having a water shortage, as the water in their wells and ponds is starting to evaporate so much, the Khmer Times quoted Oum Ryna, Director of the Meteorology Department at the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, as saying.

Serious water shortages have been seen in the most remote provinces, especially areas far from water sources, he said.

The Ministry has called people to save water until the rainy season comes and pay attention to their health by drinking enough water in the hot season, he added.

Cambodia is not the only country facing a water shortage. Many of the Mekong countries, including Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and parts of China, are in similar situations, he said.

In response to the drought, China decided to release water into the lower reaches of the Mekong River from March 15 to April 10.-VNA
VNA