Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Wednesday called on local authorities to be on high alert to assist people as floods have been hitting the country and claimed at least 12 lives in last two weeks.

"I'd like to appeal to all levels of authorities to be on high vigilance to help evacuate people to safe grounds as floods have been hitting some provinces along the Mekong River," the premier said during the first cabinet meeting at the Peace Palace.

He also urged parents to take care of their children in order to prevent drowning.

Keo Vy, spokesman for the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM), said twelve people, including six children, had drowned in the last two weeks.

He added that more than 2,500 families have been evacuated to higher grounds, while over 8,000 houses have been inundated.

Seven provinces being hit by floods are Stung Treng, Kratie, Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, and Preah Vihear, he said.

Floods usually hit Cambodia between August and October. In 2011, the country was hit the worst from floods, killing up to 250 people, according to the NCDM.

Last year, floods killed 14 people in Cambodia.