National Committee for Disaster Management (Cambodia) https://www.ncdm.gov.kh
National Committee for Disaster Management is a National Institution of the Royal Government. It has a General Secretariat that acts as an implementing unit within NCDM Headquarters in order to provide advice to the Royal Government on the issue of Disaster Management.
The National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM), the United Nations in Cambodia and the lead agencies of the Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL) initiative – International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), and World Meteorological Organization (WMO), have organized the National Consultation Workshop on Early Warnings for All to bring key stakeholders together to strategize and enhance Cambodia’s early warning system, a vital component in minimizing the impact of disasters and adapting to climate change.
“As a nation, Cambodia is actively working to strengthen its disaster preparedness and early warning systems, with the aim of safeguarding lives, empowering communities, and fostering a resilient future for all Cambodians,” stated Sameun Hang, Second Vice of NCDM, emphasizing that the workshop marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards implementing comprehensive disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation measures.
However, significant global, regional, and national gaps persist in translating early warnings into effective actions such as efforts are still required to enhance awareness, build adequate institutional capacity, connectivity challenges, strengthen community engagement, enhance preparedness planning, create sufficient funding, including for operationalization and maintenance of hydro-met stations, and creating adequacy of hydrological and meteorological observations covering the whole country.
“Cambodia is prone to various climate-induced hazards, such as floods, drought or storms. These hazards pose significant risks to communities, agriculture, infrastructure and the economy. Early warning systems are proven to be an effective tool that mitigates the impact of climate-induced disasters and, develops a more resilient nation,” said Jo Scheuer, UN Resident Coordinator in Cambodia.
Government ministries, UN agencies, bilateral and multilateral organizations, international non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, regional bodies, private sector entities and technical experts participated in the workshop. They reviewed the current state of early warning systems in Cambodia, assessing progress in implementing the four pillars of EW4ALL: disaster risk knowledge; observations and forecasting; dissemination and communication; and preparedness and response. They also discussed financing instruments and investment needs, as well as identified priority technical areas for advancing early warning systems in the country. One outcome was to establish a national coordination mechanism for EW4ALL, leveraging existing disaster management structures in Cambodia and fostering collaboration and coordination among stakeholders to drive effective implementation of early warning systems nationwide.
“The insights gained from these discussions will shape the country’s EW4ALL implementation roadmap for 2024-2027,” stated Claire Conan, WFP-Cambodia country director. She emphasized WFP’s role as the UN focal point in Cambodia for the EW4ALL initiative and its support to the global leads in crafting a comprehensive roadmap to further early warnings in Cambodia. “Through strategic partnerships and collaboration with national and global leaders in disaster risk reduction, WFP is committed to contribute to timely and effective early warnings for every Cambodian. Together, we’re building resilience and shaping a safer future.
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
For more information please contact (email address: chanmoniroth.iv@wfp.org):
Chanmoniroth IV, WFP/Cambodia, Mob. +85586 315 888
Recent Major Disasters
The susceptibility of Cambodia to natural disasters, including floods, droughts, and storms, can be attributed to its unique historical context as a nation recovering from a period of civil conflict. Furthermore, with a predominantly agrarian economy, it presents challenges and vulnerabilities regarding natural disasters.
Cambodia faces challenges related to its capacity, infrastructure, and institutional constraints, which, when compounded, heighten its vulnerability to climate variability and change. In this context, it is important to note that storms also pose a significant threat to Cambodia, adding to the complexity of its disaster risk landscape. Over the past decade, Cambodia has grappled with recurrent natural disasters, including droughts, floods, and storms.
(Source: Climate Change Knowledge Portal, World Bank)
Floods (2022)
Severe flooding from May 2022 resulted in significant damage. From September 1st to October 11th, approximately 85,482 households in 14 provinces were affected, leading to evacuations, casualties, and damage to houses, infrastructure, and agricultural land. The risk of severe floods persisted until the end of October.
Flood (September-October 2011)
TOP PAGE ＞ Information on Disaster Risk Reduction of the Member Countries Information on Disaster Risk Reduction of the Member Countries CambodiaCambodia General Information CambodiaFormal Name: Kingdom of Cambodia Geographical Location: Cambodia is located in Southeast Asia, bordered by Vietnam to the east, Thailand to the west, and Lao PDR to the north. To the south, it is bounded by the Gulf of Thailand. Land Area: Covering approximately 181,035 square kilometers, Cambodia boasts diverse geography, including the Mekong River, which traverses 500 kilometers of its territory, and the iconic Tonle Sap Lake in the mid-western region. Population: According to the latest data from WorldOmeter, Cambodia is home to nearly 17 million people, making it one of the most populous countries in Southeast Asia. The population is predominantly composed of Khmer (90%) and various ethnic minorities, including Cham, Chinese, Vietnamese, and indigenous mountainous tribes. Administrative Divisions: The nation is divided into 24 provinces, with its capital city being Phnom Penh, serving as the political, socio-economic, and cultural hub. Climate: Cambodia experiences a tropical climate dominated by the monsoon. Notably, the monsoon season, which typically occurs from May to October, plays a pivotal role in its climate patterns. During the monsoon season, Cambodia receives a substantial portion of its annual rainfall, accounting for almost 75% of its total precipitation. The dry season, spanning from November to April, offers a respite from heavy rainfall, creating favorable conditions for various outdoor activities and agricultural activities. Overview of Disasters Susceptibility of Cambodia to natural disasters, including floods, droughts, and storms, can be attributed to its unique historical context as a nation recovering from a period of civil conflict. Furthermore, with a predominantly agrarian economy, it presents challenges and vulnerabilities regarding natural disasters. Cambodia faces challenges related to its capacity, infrastructure, and institutional constraints, which, when compounded, heighten its vulnerability to climate variability and change. In this context, it is important to note that storms also pose a significant threat to Cambodia, adding to the complexity of its disaster risk landscape. Over the past decade, Cambodia has grappled with recurrent natural disasters, including droughts, floods, and storms. (Source: Climate Change Knowledge Portal, World Bank) Recent Major Disasters Flood (September-October 2011) In 2011, flood affected 350,000 households (over 1.5 million people) and 52,000 households were evacuated. 18 out of 24 provinces in Cambodia were affected; 4 provinces along Mekong River and Tonle Sap were worst hit; 250 people died and 23 people were injured as result of the flood. 431,000 hectares of transplanted rice fields were affected and 267,000 hectares of rice fields were damaged. 925 kilometers of the national, provincial and urban roads were affected and 360 kilometers of the roads were damaged. The floods in 2011 caused an estimated loss at 630 million USD.
Drought (2011-12)
In 2011, drought affected 3,804 hectares of rice fields. Furthermore, in 2012, drought affected 14,190 hectare of rice fields and completely destroyed crops of 3,151 hectares.
Disaster Management System
Legal System
Cambodia has enacted a comprehensive Law on Disaster Management in 2015, providing a robust legal framework for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
Law on Disaster Management (Source: IFRC, English version)
Organization
The National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM), headed by the Prime Minister, serves as the central coordinating body. The NCDM Secretariat leads and coordinates disaster management efforts at the national level. Disaster management is decentralized through Provincial Committees for Disaster Management (PCDM), District Committees for Disaster Management (DCDM), and Commune Committees for Disaster Management (CCDM). Village Disaster Management Groups (VDMG) operate at the grassroots level, actively participating in local disaster management activities.
Plan
Disaster management system of Cambodia underscores its commitment to enhancing disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation measures. Effective coordination among government agencies, humanitarian entities, and development partners is integral to its disaster prevention efforts. There are the following DRM related plans in Cambodia.
– National Strategy Development Plan (NSDP) 2009-2013
– Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction (SNAP) 2008-2013
– National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction 2014-2018 (drafted & adopted by 2014)
– National Comprehensive Avian and Human Influenza Plan (Multi-Sectoral Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan)
– Community Based Disaster Risk Management Plan (CBDRM)
– National Contingency Plan for Flood and Drought (being revised)
ADRC Counterpart
National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM)
National Met Agency Cambodia
Cambodia is located in Southeast Asia, bordered by Vietnam to the east, Thailand to the west, and Lao PDR to the north. To the south, it is bounded by the Gulf of Thailand. Land Area: Covering approximately 181,035 square kilometers, Cambodia boasts diverse geography, including the Mekong River, which traverses 500 kilometers of its territory, and the iconic Tonle Sap Lake in the mid-western region. Population: According to the latest data from WorldOmeter, Cambodia is home to nearly 17 million people, making it one of the most populous countries in Southeast Asia. The population is predominantly composed of Khmer (90%) and various ethnic minorities, including Cham, Chinese, Vietnamese, and indigenous mountainous tribes. Administrative Divisions: The nation is divided into 24 provinces, with its capital city being Phnom Penh, serving as the political, socio-economic, and cultural hub. Climate: Cambodia experiences a tropical climate dominated by the monsoon. Notably, the monsoon season, which typically occurs from May to October, plays a pivotal role in its climate patterns. During the monsoon season, Cambodia receives a substantial portion of its annual rainfall, accounting for almost 75% of its total precipitation. The dry season, spanning from November to April, offers a respite from heavy rainfall, creating favorable conditions for various outdoor activities and agricultural activities. Overview of Disasters Susceptibility of Cambodia to natural disasters, including floods, droughts, and storms, can be attributed to its unique historical context as a nation recovering from a period of civil conflict. Furthermore, with a predominantly agrarian economy, it presents challenges and vulnerabilities regarding natural disasters. Cambodia faces challenges related to its capacity, infrastructure, and institutional constraints, which, when compounded, heighten its vulnerability to climate variability and change. In this context, it is important to note that storms also pose a significant threat to Cambodia, adding to the complexity of its disaster risk landscape. Over the past decade, Cambodia has grappled with recurrent natural disasters, including droughts, floods, and storms. (Source: Climate Change Knowledge Portal, World Bank) Recent Major Disasters Flood (September-October 2011) In 2011, flood affected 350,000 households (over 1.5 million people) and 52,000 households were evacuated. 18 out of 24 provinces in Cambodia were affected; 4 provinces along Mekong River and Tonle Sap were worst hit; 250 people died and 23 people were injured as result of the flood. 431,000 hectares of transplanted rice fields were affected and 267,000 hectares of rice fields were damaged. 925 kilometers of the national, provincial and urban roads were affected and 360 kilometers of the roads were damaged. The floods in 2011 caused an estimated loss at 630 million USD.
Drought (2011-12)
In 2011, drought affected 3,804 hectares of rice fields. Furthermore, in 2012, drought affected 14,190 hectare of rice fields and completely destroyed crops of 3,151 hectares.
Disaster Management System
Legal System
Cambodia has enacted a comprehensive Law on Disaster Management in 2015, providing a robust legal framework for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
Law on Disaster Management (Source: IFRC, English version)
Organization
The National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM), headed by the Prime Minister, serves as the central coordinating body. The NCDM Secretariat leads and coordinates disaster management efforts at the national level. Disaster management is decentralized through Provincial Committees for Disaster Management (PCDM), District Committees for Disaster Management (DCDM), and Commune Committees for Disaster Management (CCDM). Village Disaster Management Groups (VDMG) operate at the grassroots level, actively participating in local disaster management activities.
Plan
Disaster management system of Cambodia underscores its commitment to enhancing disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation measures. Effective coordination among government agencies, humanitarian entities, and development partners is integral to its disaster prevention efforts. There are the following DRM related plans in Cambodia.
– National Strategy Development Plan (NSDP) 2009-2013
– Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction (SNAP) 2008-2013
– National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction 2014-2018 (drafted & adopted by 2014)
– National Comprehensive Avian and Human Influenza Plan (Multi-Sectoral Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan)
– Community Based Disaster Risk Management Plan (CBDRM)
– National Contingency Plan for Flood and Drought (being revised)
ADRC Counterpart
National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM)
Country Report
Cambodia Disaster Loss and Damage Analysis Report (1996-2013) (English Version, PDF file)
Country Report 2013 (English Version, PDF file)
Country Report 2006 (Japanese Version, PDF file)
Country Report 2006 (English Version, PDF file)
Country Report 2003 (English Version, PDF file)
Country Report 2002 (English Version, PDF file)
Country Report 1999 (English Version, PDF file)
Country Report 1999 (Japanese Version, PDF file)
Country Report 1998 (English Version, PDF file)
Disaster Information (The latest 10)
・2017/07/25 : Tropical Depression
Susceptibility of Cambodia to natural disasters, including floods, droughts, and storms, can be attributed to its unique historical context as a nation recovering from a period of civil conflict. Furthermore, with a predominantly agrarian economy, it presents challenges and vulnerabilities regarding natural disasters.
Cambodia faces challenges related to its capacity, infrastructure, and institutional constraints, which, when compounded, heighten its vulnerability to climate variability and change. In this context, it is important to note that storms also pose a significant threat to Cambodia, adding to the complexity of its disaster risk landscape. Over the past decade, Cambodia has grappled with recurrent natural disasters, including droughts, floods, and storms.
(Source: Climate Change Knowledge Portal, World Bank)
The National Council for Sustainable Development
NCDM – National Committee for Disaster Management
https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/country/cambodia