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Alert in the Panamanian Caribbean due to increased wave heights and strong winds
🇵🇦 Panama /Disasters & Emergencies

Alert in the Panamanian Caribbean due to increased wave heights and strong winds

From TVN Panamá · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Panama's National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) has issued a preventative alert for the entire Caribbean coast due to increased wave heights and strong winds.
  • The warning is in effect until Tuesday, June 16, 2026, with the western and eastern sectors expected to experience the most critical conditions, including waves up to 2.3 meters high.
  • Authorities urge extreme caution for swimmers and small boat operators, advising them to follow safety measures and stay informed through official channels.

Panama's Caribbean coastline is under a preventative alert as the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) warns of significantly increased wave heights and periods of strong winds. The alert remains in effect until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

The measure will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

— SinaprocStating the duration of the preventative alert.

According to forecasts from the Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology of Panama (IMHPA), wave heights are expected to rise, impacting the western, central, and eastern Caribbean coasts. The most critical conditions are anticipated in the western and eastern sectors, where waves could reach up to 2.3 meters with frequencies of up to 11 seconds. This poses a potential risk, prompting authorities to advise extreme caution for swimmers and operators of light and artisanal vessels.

The conditions will be most critical in the western and eastern sectors, where waves could reach heights of up to 2.3 meters, with periods of frequency up to 11 seconds.

— IMHPADetailing the expected severity of the wave conditions.

Areas under extreme surveillance include the Western Caribbean (North of Veraguas, Ngäbe Buglé Comarca, and Bocas del Toro), Central Caribbean (Colón Costa Abajo and the Central Region), and Eastern Caribbean (Guna Yala Comarca and Colón Costa Arriba).

Extreme caution is advised for swimmers and crews of light and artisanal vessels.

— SinaprocWarning about the risks posed by the maritime conditions.

Sinaproc has urged the public to strictly follow safety measures, avoid risky behavior on beaches and coastal areas, and maintain strict vigilance over children and vulnerable individuals. Operators of artisanal and small-draft vessels are required to navigate with maximum caution and use mandatory safety equipment. The public is advised to heed calls from emergency services and rely solely on official information from IMHPA and Sinaproc. In case of risk or emergency, individuals can contact 520-4426, 911, or 6998-4809.

Avoid risky behavior: Exercise extreme caution on beaches, coastal areas, and when engaging in maritime activities.

— SinaprocProviding specific safety recommendations to the public.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by TVN Panamá in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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