Cambodia uses helicopters to rescue victims by flooding

Cambodia uses helicopters to rescue victims by flooding

Cambodia began to use three helicopters and a number of other speed boats to rescue victims of flooding in the country's northern province of Siem Reap.

Sou Phirin, governor of Siem Reap Province said Thursday by telephone that at the order of Prime Minister Hun Sen, three helicopters and a number of other speed boats have been used to rescue both Cambodian villagers and foreign tourists from flooding in Banteay Srey Temple area and Varin district, located some 40 kilometers north of Siem Reap provincial town.

He said by 4 p.m. on Thursday, some 200 foreign tourists have been safely rescued to higher places.

It is the first time in Cambodia's recent history that helicopters have been used to rescue victims by flooding.

Bun Tharith, the spokesman of Siem Reap Province said flooding began Thursday morning in the above mentioned area and 198 foreign tourists at whom he could not identify their nationalities yet have been safely rescued to higher places.

The flooding, which is measured between 1.3 to 2 meters at some places, had caused panic to many villagers and foreigners who have visited those sites.

Bun Tharith, however, denied early reports that say at least one woman was drown to death and four others went missing by strong flow of water.

On Thursday morning, Lim Kean Hor, minister of water resource and meteorology told reporters that 56,000 hectares of agricultural land have been inundated throughout the country.

He said the flooding is mainly caused by heavy rains.

Kompong Thom, the country's central province, is the most heavily affected by flooding.

Lim Kean Hor said the rainfalls will continue in the next few days, and therefore, he alerted those living along the Mekong River to take more precaution.

Editor: Wang Guanqun

English.news.cn   2011-09-22 19:19:10 FeedbackPrintRSS
PHNOM PENH, Sept. 22 (Xinhua)