Road to Bocas del Toro reopened after major landslide

A significant landslide in the Willie Masu sector on Saturday morning blocked the main road to Bocas del Toro province, cutting off the popular tourist destination from the rest of Panama. The massive debris flow, carrying tons of earth and rock, obstructed both lanes of the highway, leaving the province isolated for approximately seven hours.

Scores of drivers and passengers found themselves stranded on the road as emergency crews mobilized to clear the affected section. One motorist described the terrifying moment, recounting how close they were to being caught in the slide, expressing relief and a need for patience as the situation unfolded.

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You say, for a second I wasn't caught. In the end, it's a bit of patience and that's it, let it be solved and we can pass.

The Ministry of Public Works deployed heavy machinery to remove the landslide material. The National Police, Civil Protection System (Sinaproc), and the Fire Department provided assistance to those stranded, distributing water and offering support during the long wait. By 6:00 p.m., crews managed to partially clear one lane, allowing for controlled passage and restoring limited connectivity to the province.

Authorities used the incident to remind the public to exercise extreme caution in areas prone to landslides, especially during the rainy season. They advised against crossing flooded streets or swollen rivers and emphasized the importance of heeding warnings from meteorological and civil protection agencies.

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If there is bad weather, avoid crossing flooded streets, streams or swollen rivers. It is very important to stay vigilant to notices through IMHPA and Sinaproc.