Mekong flooding forces evacuations across seven Cambodian provinces

Flooding along Cambodia’s Mekong River has forced thousands of families to leave their homes across seven provinces, with communities in Kratie among those facing rising water.

Families move to safety

Residents in one Kratie village have moved in with relatives as floodwater reaches homes near the riverbank, according to local reporting. At a nearby pagoda, monks have been using boats to travel through the flooded grounds while village authorities keep watch over children in affected areas.

The evacuations underline how quickly conditions can change during the annual flood season, particularly for low-lying settlements close to the Mekong. Families are being moved away from immediate danger as water levels rise and local officials monitor the situation.

Pressure on riverside communities

For communities along the river, flooding can disrupt transport, schooling, work and access to basic services even before homes are seriously damaged. Families who leave often rely on relatives, temples or temporary shelter while they wait for water to recede.

Authorities are continuing to monitor riverside areas and encourage residents to stay alert, particularly where children may be at risk near fast-moving or deep water. The situation is also a reminder of the strain placed on provincial services when flooding spreads across several regions at once.

What it means for residents

The immediate priority is keeping displaced families safe and maintaining access to food, clean water and medical help. People living near the Mekong are being urged to follow local warnings and avoid unnecessary travel through flooded areas.

With seven provinces affected, the focus will remain on the pace of the river’s rise and whether further evacuations are needed in the days ahead.

26 August 2026