The Phnom Penh Post —
The waters of the Tonle Sap River have dried up in the fishing and tourist area in Kampong Phluk commune’s Kampong Phluk village in Siem Reap province’s Prasat Bakong district, affecting the livelihoods of over 700 families who depend on fishing and tourism.
Kampong Phluk commune chief Sok Blong told The Post on May 18 that the absence of water had affected the more than 700 families working as fishermen or in transporting tourists who would go sightseeing there.
“Once the water gets too low the boats drive slowly. It takes a long time for boats to travel. For example, if there is enough water the boats spend only 10 minutes per trip. With the waters this low, it takes two hours for boats to go the same distance,” he said.
Blong added that during the rainy season most people there transported tourists because the views of nature there were beautiful. During the dry season their boats would remain idle because there are no tourists.