Rudolph Angler A sudden lightning strike at Cambodia’s Angkor Wat on Friday afternoon killed three visitors and injured several others. The group had taken shelter near the main temple when the bolt struck without warning. Emergency responders and bystanders rushed to assist the victims, with videos showing ambulances arriving and injured people being carried or helped on foot.
Authorities confirmed the three victims were Cambodian citizens, aged 34 and 52 among them. The Cambodian Red Cross provided aid to the families but offered limited details about the incident. Angkor Wat officials and local health representatives did not respond to media questions.
Authorities Ask Public to Remove Online Posts
Following the tragedy, Cambodian Tourism Minister Hout Hak urged the public to delete social media posts about the lightning strike. He warned that sharing such “negative information” could harm tourism and Cambodia’s global reputation. Apart from the Red Cross’s brief statement, no other official government agency commented on the event or the weather conditions.
Despite growing attention online, the government has avoided detailed public discussions about the incident.
Angkor Wat’s Role in Cambodian Tourism
Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Cambodia’s top tourist destination. The ancient temple complex covers about 400 square kilometers and includes remnants of Khmer Empire capitals from the 9th to 15th centuries. It features on the national flag and plays a key role in Cambodia’s tourism strategy.
In recent years, Cambodia has invested heavily in the region to attract visitors. A new $1.1 billion Chinese-funded airport nearby recently opened to support rising tourist numbers. However, this development has sparked controversy.
Controversy Over Resident Relocations
Authorities relocated approximately 10,000 residents from the Angkor area to make way for tourism expansion. While the government claims these moves were voluntary, international human rights groups such as Amnesty International strongly disagree. They argue many families were forced to leave, and the relocations caused hardship.
UNESCO has also expressed concerns. The organization questioned how the resettlements might affect Cambodia’s cultural heritage and the preservation of the Angkor complex.
Expert Views on Visitor Safety at Heritage Sites
Dr. Sothy Chan, a Cambodian expert in disaster risk management, said lightning strikes are a known hazard in the region during the rainy season. He noted that safety protocols should be strengthened at popular tourist sites to prevent similar tragedies.
“Visitors need clear guidance on what to do during storms,” Dr. Chan said. “Emergency plans and early warning systems are crucial to protect lives.”
Cambodia welcomes about 2.5 million visitors annually at Angkor Wat alone. The site’s popularity boosts the local economy but also raises challenges for infrastructure and visitor safety. Incidents like the recent lightning strike highlight the need for better emergency preparedness.
Tourism officials face a delicate balance: attracting travelers while safeguarding cultural landmarks and people’s well-being.