“Yellow Alert – Floods, Fallen Trees, River Overflow, and People Trapped in the Last 48 Hours,” reported the Presidency of Panama on June 15th.
Panama, June 15, 2024. Since the declaration of the yellow alert (increased risk) due to atmospheric instability in Panama, the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) reported fallen trees, floods, river overflows, and six trapped individuals.
As of June 15, 9 incidents of fallen trees were reported, mostly in the districts of San Miguelito and Panama.
Darién
The overflow of the Biroqueta River in the Jaqué district caused damage to an educational center and a health post. Due to the community’s remoteness and the risk from swollen rivers, coordination has been undertaken for damage assessment and needs evaluation with the National Border Service (Senafront).
Veraguas
In the early hours of Saturday, approximately 8 homes were partially affected by river overflow in the Quebro corregimiento, Mariato district. The population was alerted to the risks; however, the majority chose to remain in their homes.
Units continue to monitor vulnerable areas.
Coclé
Earlier on Saturday, flooding was reported in the grounds of the El Caño Archaeological Museum. Authorities suspended visits to the site.
In Copé, La Pintada district, a landslide occurred near a residence, prompting authorities to advise owners to relocate to a safe area.
On the night of Friday, June 14, Sinaproc personnel conducted rescue operations for two men aged 44 and 45, who were stranded on an islet due to the swelling of the Grande River in the El Guabal sector, Penonomé.
Ngäbe Buglé Region
During the early hours of Saturday, Sinaproc units rescued three men stranded on an islet due to the swelling of the Cricamola River in the Kankitú-Ñokribo area of the Ngäbe Buglé comarca, where recent deaths of students and elderly individuals have occurred due to river swells.
Bocas del Toro
A minor was rescued from a river in Bocas del Toro.
The Emergency Operations Center (COE) remains coordinated with the Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology of Panama (IMHPA).
As of June 15th, the Yellow Alert remained in effect for Chiriquí, Veraguas, Coclé, Los Santos, Panama Oeste, Darién, and the Emberá Wounaan comarca.
Inter-institutional links corresponding to the COE in various provinces activated to respond to any emergencies.
The population has been advised to avoid crossing swollen rivers and streams.
Soledad Quartucci | CEO/Founder, Latina Republic
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