Panama residents clean canals to reduce flood risk in Changuinola

In Changuinola, Bocas del Toro, Panama, a community effort is underway to combat the recurring threat of floods during the rainy season. Residents of Finca Las 30, including parents and students, organized a cleanup drive to clear canals, gutters, and public areas. This proactive measure aims to mitigate the risk of further inundation, following recent floods that impacted over 1,300 homes and more than 4,000 people in the province.

The initiative received support from the Changuinola Municipality, which assisted with the removal of collected waste. The educational community also used the event to promote recycling and environmental protection. Enilsa Montenegro highlighted the importance of preventing garbage from reaching rivers and the sea, thereby safeguarding the community from diseases. Discussions are also in progress with the Ministry of Health to bolster preventive measures in the area.

Fidel Santos from the Changuinola Municipality stressed that the buildup of trash in gutters and canals significantly exacerbates flooding during heavy rains. "Throwing garbage into the streets, gutters, and canals obstructs water flow during rainy periods and causes floods," he stated. The cleanup also served to foster recycling among students and the wider community, encouraging the reuse of materials and raising environmental consciousness.