The intense rains that have affected the province of Chiriquí in recent days have generated 65 incidents, forcing the Panamanian government to mobilize resources to address the emergency. In the midst of a critical situation, The Minister of Government, Dinoska Montalvo, headed a ministerial commission that went to the Emergency Operations Center, COE, to closely evaluate the damage and coordinate urgent responses.
During his visit, Montalvo highlighted the complexity of the situation, noting that The rainy season has exceeded the country’s preventive capabilities in this phase. Despite this, he expressed that the rescue actions and care for the victims have been effective thanks to inter-institutional cooperation, although he also recognized that the emergency has highlighted the urgent need to strengthen preventive strategies. “Unfortunately, we are unable to implement preventative plans at this time, but we are working to transform our reactive response into a proactive one.“he assured.
Among the most serious incidents recorded are the flooding of the Caldera River and the effects of a head of water that affected a hotel in Boquete. Thanks to preventive measures and advice from emergency management experts, the hotel was able to avoid further damage. The government has assured that, with the start of the dry season, work will be done on planning mitigation measures for the future.
The Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology of Panama, Imhpa, issued a report in which it warns that the rains will continue in the region, with soil saturation levels that reach 100% in several areas of Chiriquí. This phenomenon increases the risk of river overflows and landslides, which generates a constant threat to nearby communities.
Local authorities, in collaboration with the National Civil Protection System, Sinaproc, They have set up several shelters to care for those affecteds, while the government continues to distribute humanitarian aid in the most impacted areas.
