More Heifer Farmers Evacuated in Cambodia

Another 18 Heifer farmers and their families were evacuated in Prey Veng province, Cambodia, as flood waters continued to rise there, bringing the total number of evacuated families to 45, Heifer Cambodia Country Director Keo Keang said Thursday. Keang expressed relief that Heifer has been able to assist in the evaucations and that no Heifer farmers have been killed or injured in the flooding.


According to local forecasts, flood waters are expected to begin receding Sunday. In the meantime, Heifer Cambodia staff will continute to stay apprised of the situation for farmers in the northwestern corner of the country. They will issue a full report on how the flooding has affected projects in the area by Monday, Keang said.

Heifer Cambodia is seeking food, shelter and medicines for the families affected by the floods. Heifer headquarters were notified Tuesday by Keang that waters were reaching "alarming levels." Many rice farms have been damaged and some families have lost their animals. Heifer Cambodia is working with other NGOs (World Food Program of the UN, National NGO Network) to provide immediate relief to flood affected families. 

Flooding is common during this time of year in Cambodia, but the recent storms dropped so much water on the region that more than 30 people have been confirmed dead. While Heifer International focuses on long-term solutions to hunger and poverty, we recognize natural disasters can render already vulnerable communities nearly helpless. Please consider donating to our Disaster Rehabilitation Fund, which helps these communities recuperate after natural disasters that temporarily overwhelm our development efforts. 

About Heifer International: 
Heifer’s mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. Since 1944, Heifer International has provided livestock and environmentally sound agricultural training to improve the lives of those who struggle daily for reliable sources of food and income. Heifer is currently working in 40 countries, including the United States, to help families and communities become more self-reliant. For more information, visit www.heifer.org or call 888-5HUNGER (888-548-6437).