New rain advisory issued until July 28; Sinaproc urges caution crossing swollen rivers

Panama's National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) has issued a prevention advisory for heavy rains and storms expected to persist until July 28. Intense rainfall over the past 48 hours has already caused significant flooding in parts of Colón and Veraguas provinces, prompting Sinaproc to deploy teams for humanitarian assistance, damage assessment, and ongoing monitoring.

In Colón province, Sinaproc personnel continue operations in Nombre de Dios and Portobelo, areas affected by the recent downpours. In Veraguas, the focus has shifted to mitigation efforts following initial emergency responses. While Bocas del Toro has not reported new incidents, humanitarian aid is still being provided in Almirante, and no temporary shelters are currently active.

Coinciding with World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25, Sinaproc Director Omar Smith reiterated a critical warning to the public: do not attempt to cross rivers, streams, or any bodies of water that are swollen or flooded. Smith stressed that conditions can change rapidly, posing a severe risk to life, even if others cross habitually. "At the moment we do not have active shelters," he noted.

The advisory anticipates the arrival of tropical wave number 27, followed by number 28, which are expected to bring heavy showers and strong wind gusts. The Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology of Panama (Imhpa) maintains the current advisory, urging vigilance across various regions of the country. The persistent rainfall highlights the vulnerability of certain areas to extreme weather events.

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the conditions can change rapidly and put life at risk