#Cambodia - Exploring wetland along upper Mekong River in Stung Treng

Trees with aerial roots exposed over the water, white sand islets dotted across limpid water, Irrawaddy dolphin pools and critically endangered fish breeding pools among braided channels and flooded forests; these are just some of the attractions drawing tourists from around the world to the upper Mekong River during dry season.

North of Stung Treng province’s Stung Treng town is a wetland area of 14,600ha extending nearly 40km along the Mekong river straddling the Cambodia and Laos border.

It is designated under the Ramsar Convention – an international treaty working for the conservation of wetlands – as a Wetland of National and International Significance.

Every monsoon season whole forests are submerged under water, before re-emerging when the rains pass and the swollen Mekong river returns to the confines of its banks.

“The flooded forests are rich with natural resources and ecology, especially huge fish holes and endangered birds. The Ministry of Environment works hard to protect the Mekong wetland,” says Un Porsoeun, Stung Treng provincial tourism department director.

He says that with the area’s abundant natural resources, there is a big market for eco and adventure tourism on the Mekong river to experience limestone rocks, water rapids, endangered birds and flooded forests with aerial root trees.

During dry season, when the majority of the water subsides, white beach islets surrounded by pristine water protrude from parts of the river bed, creating perfect spots for camping. 

Camping on the river’s beach is a popular activity for both local and international tourists.

 “In some areas, communities build huts on the river’s beach. 

In fact, Koh Han Community Based Ecotourism [a tour group operating in the area] built many huts for tourists. In this area, there are flooded forests and rare birds,” says Porsoeun, adding that he only works with “operators who help promote and raise awareness of tourism connected with nature”.

.

Booking your Flight, Hotel or Resort now

.

In the area there are many nature focused attractions, including the Mekong Bird Resort, Koh Khe, Koh Han and Koh Langor – a group of islands – and Thala Barivat district’s Anlung Chheuteal, an area in which the Irrawaddy dolphin lives close to Cambodia and Laos border.

“This Mekong river trip is my favourite. And though it’s a bit of a challenge as I can’t swim, I love seeing Irrawaddy dolphins, visiting flooded forests, as well as camping and bathing in the river,” says 24-year-old Heang Hana, a furniture vendor who visited the area with a tour company.

The area’s most unique attraction, however, remains its Romchek trees, that sit gnarled and twisted in the direction of the Monsoon water flow.

“We are unique from other areas as we have Romchek trees that visitors want to see with their aerial roots,” Porsoeun says. ''

Upper Koh Khe and lower Koh Khe are located 30km from Stung Treng town. Due to water levels, the former is only open to the public between October and May and the latter between January and May. 

Source - PhnomPenhPost

#Cambodia - Thousands evacuated from Stung Treng due to floodwaters from Laos dam

Cambodian soldiers evacuate residents by boat from the floodings in Stung Treng province on Thursday. The torrent of water unleashed in a deadly Laos dam collapse has drained into Cambodia, forcing thousands to evacuate, as rescuers battled monsoon rains to find scores of Laotians still missing after entire villages were washed away.

 About 25,000 people living in Siem Pang district in Stung Treng province were taken to safety following the flooding triggered by the collapse of a hydropower dam in neighbouring Laos.

Stung Treng provincial governor Mom Saroeun told The Post on Thursday that rescue workers managed to bring all victims trapped in the floods to high ground. 

Authorities are now providing medicines and basic necessities such as food, mosquito nets and drinking water. 

The authorities said a total of 1,289 families were affected on the Cambodian side after the dam tragedy on Monday evening, which also displaced about 3,000 people and killed at least 26 in Laos. 

The Stung Treng province is in the northern part of Cambodia and located about 50 kilometres away from the Laos border.

 .
The Ministry of Water Resources said until 3:10pm on Thursday, the water level of Sekong River rose up to 12.10 metres, surpassing the danger level of 11.50 meters.

National Committee of Disaster Management (NCDM) spokesman Keo Vy said: “At 5pm on Thursday the number of evacuees might change as the water level was still rising and I have not received the latest figures yet.”

The situation in Siem Pang district was grim as well. Phen Bunthoeun, Stung Treng Programme Unit Manager of Plan International Cambodia, said houses were flooded and people had to vacate. 

 FOR THE BEST GLOBAL HOTEL & FLIGHT BOOKINGS

 “Our findings show that 562 families living in Santepheap and Thmor Keo communes are desperately waiting for emergency assistance such as tents, food, clean water and items related to sanitation,” he said.

Bunthoeun said there was a critical shortage of clean water. Rescue workers have asked local authorities to supply it in containers apart from providing additional tents too. 

Vy said NCDM’s one-year assistance for flood victims includes 10,000 tonnes of rice, 2,000 tonnes of rice seeds and 50 tonnes of crop seeds, while financial aid will only be given if there is a request. 

“These numbers are usually allocated for emergency cases but in the last few years, we have never used them because the provincial authorities managed to cover the expenses."

“The financial package is under a special government allocation and once the situation is severe, the prime minister will authorise the allocation,” he said. 

Vy said in Kratie province, once the Mekong River’s water level reaches 20 meters high, it is considered dangerous as it could flood the low land areas. On Thursday, the water level was recorded at 20.16 metres.

If the water level touches 22 meters, he said it is considered alarming for the Mekong River in Kratie Province.

“Some low land areas – Dam Pout and Dam Lahong – have since submerged due to the rising water,” he said.

 Vy said the ministry had issued a warning to the people living along the low land areas to quickly harvest their crops before the flood arrives.

Source - PhnomPenhPost