Cambodia's large-scale water distribution campaign ends after rains come

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen announced on Wednesday the end of a large-scale water distribution campaign after rains have fallen in recent weeks.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to all people who have participated in this two-month campaign," he said during a university graduation ceremony here.

"On behalf of the government and my own name, I'd like to declare that the large-scale water distribution campaign for drought-hit people is ended," he said.

However, the prime minister advised local authorities to continue their assistance if any areas still suffers from drought.

The Cambodian leader said that as rains have fallen, farmers have been actively ploughing their rice fields for planting.

"We hope that it will be a good year for harvest this year based on a prediction through the royal oxen's eating habits," he said, referring to a traditional royal ploughing ceremony on Tuesday in which a pair of royal oxen ate over 90 percent of beans, corn and rice.

The Southeast Asian country had suffered the worst drought in a century. Nhim Vanda, vice president of the National Center for Disaster Management, said earlier this month that some 2.5 million people were affected by the dry spell. Endit