Cambodian PM urges authorities to continue helping drought-hit villagers

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Tuesday called on the authorities, armed forces and charitable organizations to continue helping deal with the worst drought that has hit 18 out of the country's 25 provinces.

"This year is considered as the worst drought-hit year in Cambodia within a hundred years," he said during a national conference at the Peace Palace here.

According to the premier, although rains have fallen in some provinces in recent days, the large-scale water distribution campaign, which was announced a week ago, is still going on until people have enough water to use.

Meanwhile, he ordered all provincial governors to stay in their provinces to help people instead of travelling to Phnom Penh capital for meetings.

Drought is forecast to continue until July due to the impacts of El Nino.

On Monday, Education Minister Hang Chuon Naron signed a rule to shorten the school hours by one hour a day to help students avoid the peak temperatures of the day.

He also advised teachers to tell their students to drink clean water and not to play under the sunlight as temperatures in some parts of the country would be as high as 42 or 43 degree Celsius. Enditem