KETSANA Typhoon killed at least 11 in Cambodia

Flood in Siem Reap

By Rasmei Kampuchea
Asia News Network

Typhoon Ketsana is hitting Cambodia, killing at least eight people in Kampong Thom province and injuring 14 villagers as of Tuesday night.

Officials in Kompong Thom said the death toll could possibly increase as they are collecting more data. They added that the 30 houses were completely destroyed.

The typhoon on Wednesday is moving to northeast provinces of Cambodia and the wind is expected to disappear on Thursday.

In the statement red on public television on Sunday, the Cambodian government appeal people to be careful over the typhoon, because the heavy rain might cause floods in the Mekong. Some government officials said that the water in the Mekong has increased.

The statement added that the typhoon could provoke strong wind, flood and lightning. Set Vannareth. Meteorology director at the Ministry of Water Resources, said that from January to 20 July 2009, 100 persons were killed by lightning. 36 persons were reportedly injured and 24 cows were killed.

Prime Minister Hun Sen said on Monday that 27 typhoons hit Cambodia each year.