Panama Issues Yellow Alert for Bocas del Toro Amid Heavy Rains; El Niño's Contrasting Effects Noted

Panama's National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) has issued a yellow alert for Bocas del Toro province as heavy rains batter the country's northern region. Omar Smith, director of Sinaproc, detailed the current situation, emphasizing the focus on Bocas del Toro and Chiriquí provinces, and explaining how the El Niño phenomenon is influencing local weather patterns.

Smith stated that the priority is the Bocas del Toro province, specifically the Changuinola River basin and the Ño Kribo region. "We maintain a yellow alert, which means a preventive evacuation process for the population and the full mobilization of our forces," Smith explained. Currently, three shelters are housing over 90 people, while authorities closely monitor the river levels, which are receiving significant inflows from Costa Rica.

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We maintain a yellow alert, which means a preventive evacuation process for the population and the full mobilization of our forces.

The El Niño phenomenon is creating a stark contrast in precipitation across Panama. While the Caribbean coast faces intense, accumulated rainfall, the southern parts of the country are experiencing a severe decrease in precipitation. "The main danger is not just flooding, but landslides," warned Smith, highlighting vulnerable areas along roads from Viguí to David, Gualaca, Fortuna, Chiriquí Grande, and Almirante, as well as the comarca regions like Kankintú.

Sinaproc urges citizens in areas prone to landslides to evacuate immediately if they notice ground cracks or strange noises from hillsides. Maritime activities are not restricted, but rough seas are reported, and fishermen in the north are advised to exercise extreme caution, use life vests, and maintain active communication systems due to the ongoing tropical wave.

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The main danger is not just flooding, but landslides.