Rains and Storms Continue Across Panama, Causing Flooding and Disruptions

Panama is currently grappling with persistent heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across various regions, leading to significant disruptions and damage. The capital city, Panama City, has seen streets flooded in areas like Villa Zaita, Ricardo J. Alfaro, and Avenida de Los Periodistas.

The meteorological institute attributes these conditions to the ongoing rainy season, amplified by the influence of a monsoon trough over the Pacific, low-pressure systems, and the passage of tropical waves. Forecasters predict that the rainfall, accompanied by electrical activity, will continue through the weekend. Meteorologist Emanuel Velásquez explained that the interaction of multiple atmospheric systems, including low-pressure zones and the convergence zone over the region, creates an unstable environment conducive to storm development.

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It is being produced by the interaction of several atmospheric systems, such as low-pressure systems and even the convergence zone that remains over our region, so this moisture-laden wind flow generates a very unstable scenario, favorable for these storms to develop.

Authorities have issued a weather advisory, initially valid through Thursday, but anticipate its extension due to the persistent atmospheric instability. The National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) has responded to numerous emergencies. In Panama City alone, approximately 15 trees fell, and two landslides occurred. A landslide was also reported in the Chiriquí province, and in Veraguas, rescuers had to assist individuals affected by a landslide on a road.

While Tropical Wave #31 has moved on to other Central American countries, it left behind atmospheric instability that continues to fuel rain and storm development. Officials are advising the public to stay informed through official channels, avoid flooded streets, and exercise caution in areas prone to landslides or sudden flash floods.

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In the capital city, we had approximately 15 fallen trees, two landslides, and a landslide in the province of Chiriquí; we also had some fallen trees in the Chicana province, and in the province of Veraguas, we had the rescue of some people who were traveling on a road when a landslide occurred.