Panama Issues Yellow Alert for Bocas del Toro and Ngäbe-Buglé Due to Heavy Rains

Panama's National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) has elevated its alert status to yellow for several areas in Bocas del Toro province and the Ngäbe-Buglé indigenous territory. The declaration, effective from 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, is in response to the imminent threat of floods, overflowing rivers and streams, landslides, and other adverse effects linked to prevailing meteorological conditions.

The measure aligns with forecasts from the Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology of Panama (Imhpa), which predicts varied rainfall intensity, thunderstorms, and wind gusts over the coming days. Sinaproc anticipates variable conditions across the country between August 17 and August 22, with a period of heightened instability expected from August 17 to August 19, coinciding with the passage of a tropical wave.

These heavy rains could lead to rapid increases in river and stream levels, potentially causing inundations in vulnerable areas and triggering landslides. The situation is particularly concerning in Bocas del Toro, where soil saturation is already high. Sinaproc is closely monitoring the Sixaola and Changuinola rivers, as increased water levels in these rivers could lead to overflows in low-lying areas near their banks.

The yellow alert specifically covers the province of Bocas del Toro, including the districts of Changuinola, Almirante, Chiriquí Grande, and Bocas del Toro itself. It also extends to sectors within the Ngäbe-Buglé comarca, such as Kusapín, Kankintú, and Jirondai, as well as the Naso Tjër Di comarca. The remainder of the national territory remains under a green alert, acknowledging the possibility of rain, thunderstorms, and wind events.

Sinaproc has urged relevant institutions to maintain continuous monitoring of meteorological and hydrological conditions. They are also advised to reinforce their operational capacities, ensure personnel availability, and assess the conditions in the most vulnerable communities and sectors. The public is reminded of a prevention notice regarding rains and storms expected until August 19 due to the arrival of tropical wave #35.