FLOODS AND DROUGHTS IN 2002 IN THE CAMBODIAN PARTS OF THE MEKONG BASIN

— EXPOSURE, RESPONSE AND LESSON LEARNED —

Prepared for

THE SECOND ANNUAL FLOOD FORUM, 28-29 OCTOBER 2003

by So Sophort,

Deputy Director of Projects Department, and National FMM Coordinator

for Cambodia, Cambodia National Mekong Committee

PRESENTATION OUTLINE:

Introduction

Flood and drought exposure and response

Flood

Drought

Emergency response

Flood management in Cambodia

Lessons learned

Recommendations

INTRODUCTION

Serious floods have caused damages to lives and property.

Loss as a result of floods in Cambodia:

2000: US$ 157 million and 362 people

2001: US$ 30 million and 62 people

2002: US$ over 12 million and 29 people

Two major agencies for FMM

Effectiveness is growing but still limited by resources

FLOOD AND DROUGHT EXPOSURE AND RESPONSE

Cambodia: Most prone country to natural disasters

Loss in 2002: Approx. US$ 34 mil.

Infrastructure development

Impact to national development efforts

FLOODS

FLOODS

Floods in 2002 < 2001 Flood stemmed from storms and heavy rainfall People in lying-low areas are mostly effected Loss of economy and life is over US$ 12 mil. and

29 people, respectively Very limited capacity in managing and mitigating

floods

DROUGHT

Drought was the longest in the last 21-year periods for 2002

Agricultural crops depend fully on rainfall (approx. 82%)

Cultivation plan was not met. Over 2 mil. people were affected Total damage: Over US$ 21 mil.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Government stocks

Resources mobilization

Timely response to disaster-affected people

Good coordination and cooperation

FLOOD MANAGEMENT

General policy for flood mitigation and

protection

Development of meteorological and

hydrological networks

Effective and efficient mechanism in relief

and emergency services

Joint efforts and cooperation

FLOOD MANAGEMENT cont.

Flood information disseminated

Flood forecasts are now rather accurate

Draft Law on Water Resources Management

LESSONS LEARNED

Natural disasters are a severe constraint on socio-economic development

Annual floods have become an essential element in the life of people

Impact of activities upstream and downstream

Flood mitigation requires real-time or near real-time information on weather and river flow

RECOMMENDATIONS

Capacity building to the field staff is

strongly needed

An effective communication system to

reach remote areas should be developed

Weather forecasts to ensure timely warning

of natural occurrences should be further

improved

RECOMMENDATIONS cont…

Emergency relief to flood victims should be

made by MRC

Drought forecasting should be considered by

MRC from now on, to assist the riparian

countries in order to find appropriate ways to

help farmers

Today's Forum should be continued

Thank you very much for your kind attention