SAND ISLANDS OF THE MEKONG RIVER CAMBODIA

This is a study about sand - great quantities of sand supplied by the Mekong River and deposited within its wide reaches. It is about sand transportation, arrival, deposition and removal. The sand, with its high nutrient composition is regarded by Cambodian farmers as "the gift of the Mekong". Beyond the geomorphology of this sand is the way it affects the way of life of the Cambodians of the sand islands. The annual gift is usually manageable but in 2011 the Mekong flood levels were extremely high. Many from the sand islands were evacuated to higher/safer grounds. Even so, 2011 was considered to be a "disastrous year for many from the sand islands. Loss of life and considerable destruction of low-lying areas made this a year when the gifts of the river became overwhelming -particularly on sand islands that were severely flooded. To make this easier to understand you might consider linking this unit with one entitled "The Case of Chey Phy's disappearing island". Use the photographs to gain ideas about the way of life on the sand islands. "Step onto the islands" but have a care when near the sandy banks of the Mekong River because they are prone to collapse.