Key Developments

Up to one-fifth of Cambodians are undernourished, consuming less than the recommended minimum daily calorie intake, while approximately 22 percent of children younger than five years of age exhibit stunting, or low height-for-age related to nutrition. As of December 2022, an estimated 16 percent of children were underweight and an additional 10 percent suffered from wasting, a form of malnutrition with a high risk of mortality and morbidity, according to the UN World Food Program (WFP). Recurrent seasonal flooding in Cambodia adversely affected 14 provinces during 2022, with Battambong, Siem Reap, and Banteay Meanchey among the provinces most affected. Between September 1 and October 11, 2022, flooding negatively affected more than 160,000 individuals, resulted in at least 15 deaths, temporarily displaced 5,000 households, and damaged or destroyed more than 33,100 houses, as well as nearly 380 acres of agricultural lands and numerous bridges, roads, and other infrastructure, according to relief actors.

Background

Cambodia is among the most vulnerable countries in the world to the effects of climate change, particularly flooding, due to its low-lying river deltas, seasonal rainfall, and location in the Mekong River flood plains. When disaster strikes Cambodia, USAID/BHA works with non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and the UN to meet humanitarian needs and complement government relief efforts. In addition to disaster response, USAID/BHA supports a number of activities to mitigate disaster risk in Cambodia to help government authorities, emergency responders, and communities prepare for and respond to natural disasters.