Panama Declares Green Alert for Heavy Rains in Bocas del Toro, Ngäbe-Buglé, and Naso Tjër Di

Panama's National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) has issued a Green Alert for heavy rains, thunderstorms, and wind gusts across the province of Bocas del Toro, the Ngäbe-Buglé region, and the Naso Tjër Di region. The measure, which took effect at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2026, stems from technical analysis by the Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology of Panama (Imhpa). Imhpa forecasts conditions conducive to rainfall of varying intensity, potentially accompanied by electrical storms and strong winds.

These weather conditions raise concerns about rapid increases in river and stream levels, leading to potential flooding in vulnerable areas and landslides. The alert covers specific districts within Bocas del Toro, including Changuinola, Isla Colón, Almirante, and Chiriquí Grande. In the Ngäbe-Buglé comarca, the alert encompasses the Ño Kribo region, comprising the districts of Kankintú, Jirondai, Kusapín, and Santa Catalina, and extends to the entire Naso Tjër Di region.

In response to the forecast, Sinaproc has urged the public to avoid aquatic activities, refrain from visiting rivers, streams, lakes, or beaches, and to not attempt to cross bodies of water or flooded areas that are experiencing rising water levels. The precautionary measure follows recent incidents where heavy rains have impacted homes in Bocas del Toro and caused the Sixaola River to reach its maximum level. Classes have also been suspended in Bocas del Toro and several schools within the Ngäbe-Buglé comarca due to the intense rainfall.