Khmer Hearts Launch Urgent Appeal for Tents as Rain Batters Displaced Families in Siem Reap
By Rin Ousa June 9, 2026
Displaced families in Siem Reap province receive new tents as they continue to struggle amid the rainy season. Photo: Khmer Hearts
PHNOM PENH – In the displacement sites of Srei Snam and Svay Leu districts in Siem Reap province, families who fled border fighting are now facing a new threat. As the rainy season intensifies, leaking shelters, muddy ground and strong winds are making life increasingly difficult for thousands still unable to return home.
To help meet urgent needs, a volunteer group known as Khmer Hearts, based in Siem Reap province, has launched a fundraising campaign to provide 250 tents for vulnerable displaced families in the two districts.
Working alongside local authorities, the group has already distributed 53 tents. But with more heavy rain and strong winds expected in the coming weeks, volunteers say hundreds of families remain exposed and urgently need safe shelter.
Australian volunteer Darlene Rada Ford said 197 families are still waiting for tents, while many of those already distributed have deteriorated and are no longer safe for long-term use.
Recent storms have only worsened conditions on the ground, she said, leaving displaced families increasingly vulnerable to flooding, wind damage and the daily challenges of living in temporary shelters.
“The first priority is tents, but we will also need wooden platforms to raise displaced families off the ground in case of flooding. That would be the second priority. Additionally, they need rice for their daily livelihoods,” Ford said.
With nearly two decades of experience providing aid and humanitarian assistance to asylum seekers and refugees, Ford said she hopes the public will once again step forward to support displaced communities, as many Cambodians did during previous periods of border unrest.
Since the first border clashes erupted last July, Khmer Hearts has been assisting displaced families with food, essential supplies and longer-term community support.
Ford has been coordinating relief efforts with her Khmer colleague, Pich Seu, who helps manage translation, logistics and communication with local communities.
Those wishing to contribute can visit the group’s official page or contact Ford via Telegram at +855 96 641 667 8, or Pich Seu at +855 17 384 910.
“Donating just $1, or 4,000 riel, can make a real difference,” the volunteers said.
According to the Ministry of Interior, 28,903 displaced people remained unable to return to their homes as of June 6, including 14,864 women and 9,740 children.
For many families sheltering in Srei Snam and Svay Leu, the wait to return home continues. Until then, volunteers say something as simple as a tent can provide protection, dignity and a measure of security amid an uncertain future.
ASEAN Digest 
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