Downpours Trigger Landslides, Road Collapse in Pursat; Traffic Halted in Siem Reap
Pursat / Siem Reap, Cambodia — Heavy rains over recent days have unleashed landslides and extensive road damage in Pursat province, while storm conditions have led to traffic disruptions in Siem Reap, local authorities confirmed.
Mountainous roads in Pursat severely impacted
In Pursat’s Veal Veng District, the coastal-to-mountain highway route, particularly the segment of National Road 10 linking Bramoy and O’Sôm communes, has subsided and opened deep cracks after prolonged downpours. Officials estimate that around 100 metres of road is now unusable and the affected stretch has been temporarily closed to traffic.
Veal Veng Governor Theang Leng said the collapse is rooted in persistent rainfall over two weeks, which saturated soil and undermined the road’s foundations. Although the highway is still under construction by a Chinese-backed firm, it had already seen regular usage before the damage occured. Business Upturn+2nationthailand+2
Authorities say the road closure took effect on the night of July 25. Attempts are underway to establish a detour once weather conditions improve. The Star+2Business Upturn+2
This damaged route is part of a larger 198‑kilometer infrastructure project meant to link Battambang’s Samlot district through to Koh Kong’s Khemarak Phoumin, via Pursat and Veal Veng. The highway was nearly 90 percent complete as of June, with full completion targeted for June 2025. Business Upturn+2nationthailand+2
Officials warn that while the terrain is steep and mountainous—heightening the risk of further landslips—there is no immediate threat to nearby villages or agricultural lands. BS Daily News+1
Storms force traffic suspension in Siem Reap
Simultaneously, Siem Reap province has grappled with flooding and storm impacts culminating in road closures and halted traffic. Heavy rainfall and runoff prompted local authorities to block several key routes and suspend large vehicle movement to prevent further damage.
Although limited details are available, regional weather forecasts confirm that multiple provinces, including Siem Reap, Battambang, and others, were hit by torrential precipitation. Cambodianess The APSARA National Authority, which manages heritage zones around Angkor, issued warnings about potential fallen trees and advised tour operators and travelers to avoid parking under foliage. EAC News+1
Broader context: Cambodia’s rainy season strain
This bout of intense rainfall comes amid a wider pattern of flooding across Cambodia. In August 2024, for instance, floodwaters devastated over 10,000 hectares of farmland, destroyed hundreds of homes, and damaged dozens of bridges and rural roads. Cambodianess
The National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) has indicated that while some floodwaters have receded thanks to drainage and canal diversions, continued storms may exacerbate risk in low-lying provinces. Cambodianess+1
Infrastructure projects in mountainous zones like Pursat are especially vulnerable when heavy rains persist. The combination of steep slopes, soil erosion, and incomplete road foundations can accelerate collapse.
What lies ahead
Restoration and reconstruction efforts are expected to begin once rainfall subsides. Authorities must not only repair the collapsed stretches of National Road 10 but also reinforce slopes and improve drainage to prevent repeat failures. For Siem Reap, clearing blocked routes and managing stormwater remain immediate priorities.
For residents and travelers, vigilance is key: avoid affected roads, heed closure signs, and monitor updates from provincial agencies. With Cambodia’s rainy season expected to persist, such disruptions may continue.
