Tbong Khmum Province, Cambodia | 24–25 February 2026
Following the validation workshop held in January 2026, the Preparedness Partnership of Cambodia (PPC), together with provincial and district authorities, commune councils, and the Commune Committee for Disaster Management (CCDM), conducted commune-level campaigns in Svay Klaing, Prek A-Chi, Chiro Ti Muoy, and Tonle Bet to secure formal approval and disseminate the Flood Contingency Plans. The plans were developed through participatory planning processes led by the CCDM to strengthen communities’ awareness and understanding of actions to take before, during, and after floods
The campaign activities engaged 134 participants, including 28 women, bringing together commune authorities, the CCDM, village leaders, and community representatives. The campaign aimed to ensure that the communes clearly understand the structure and operational use of the contingency plans while strengthening coordination mechanisms for early warning, evacuation, and emergency response.
Implemented by the Preparedness Partnership of Cambodia (PPC) under the Asian Preparedness partnership with support from the Asian Disaster Readiness Fund (ADRF), funded by the Gates Foundation the campaign marked an important step in translating the validated plans into practical preparedness actions at the community level.
From Planning to Community Awareness
During the campaign sessions, the finalized Commune Flood Contingency Plans were presented and explained to local stakeholders. PPC facilitators guided participants through key components of the plans, including early warning communication flows, evacuation procedures, coordination mechanisms, and roles and responsibilities of local actors during flood emergencies.
Participants reviewed designated evacuation routes and safe locations, ensuring that these measures are clearly understood by community members ahead of the flood season. Discussions emphasized the importance of timely communication between district authorities, commune leaders, and village households to ensure that warnings reach communities quickly and effectively.
Following the discussions, commune authorities formally approved, signed, and stamped the contingency plans, establishing them as official administrative documents to guide local flood preparedness and response.
Strengthening Community Engagement and Preparedness
Interactive group discussions encouraged participants to identify flood-prone areas within their villages, clarify sectoral responsibilities during emergencies, and strengthen coordination for evacuation and early warning dissemination.
These discussions also reinforced key preparedness messages, including the need to act immediately when warnings are issued, prepare household emergency supplies before the flood season, and prioritize the safety of vulnerable groups such as children, elderly persons, and persons with disabilities.
Community representatives highlighted that the campaign helped translate technical planning into practical guidance for households and local leaders, strengthening confidence in the contingency plans and improving readiness for future flood events.
Advancing Locally Led Flood Preparedness
The campaign demonstrated how the validated contingency plans can be operationalized through community engagement and awareness activities. By linking formal plan approval with community dissemination, the initiative ensured that the contingency plans function as practical tools guiding preparedness and response actions.
Together with the earlier risk mapping and validation workshops, the campaign represents a critical step in strengthening locally led flood preparedness, reinforcing collaboration among local authorities, communities, civil society organizations, and private sector partners.
Call to Action
To learn more about how ADPC and the Asian Preparedness Partnership support locally led disaster preparedness and risk management, visit www.adpc.net and www.app.adpc.net
