AKP Preah Vihear, April 28, 2025 --

H.E. Kim Rithy, Governor of Preah Vihear province and President of the Provincial  Red Cross Branch, led a working group and local authorities to distribute relief from Samdech Kittiprittpundit Bun Rany Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Red Cross (CRC), to 99 families affected by recent gusts in Chey Sen district, Preah Vihear province.  The relief distribution ceremony took place this morning in Khyong and Tarsou communes, where gusts and lightning strikes had caused significant damage to homes and property. 

During the visit, H.E. Kim Rithy conveyed heartfelt condolences from Samdech Bun Rany Hun Sen, who expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, property damage, and displacement caused by the natural disaster.

The governor noted that the storm had severely impacted multiple households in Chey Sen and Chom Ksan districts, with one fatality reported in Chom Ksan due to a lightning strike. 

Upon receiving reports of the incident, Samdech Bun Rany Hun Sen immediately mobilised emergency aid through the provincial Red Cross branch to support the affected families. 

Following the distribution, H.E. Kim Rithy and his team inspected heavily damaged homes in Khyong and Tarsou communes, assessing the extent of the destruction and discussing urgent needs with victims. 

Given the severity of the damage—particularly for families whose homes were completely destroyed and those lacking labour resources, such as the elderly and single mothers—the governor urged local authorities and communities to adopt a "neighbour-help-neighbour" approach. He encouraged residents to contribute materials like wood and zinc sheets or assist with labour to help rebuild houses and shelters.

This swift humanitarian response underscores the CRC’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of disaster-stricken communities.

By K. Rithy Reak