Search for boy swept away by current in Samaria resumes Friday

Search efforts are underway for a young boy reportedly swept away by a river current in Samaria, Panama. The incident occurred near Puente Rojo in the Belisario Porras corregimiento. According to the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc), the boy was with a friend when they were carried by the water. One child managed to escape and alerted authorities.

An extensive search operation was initiated, covering areas like Puente Rojo and the river near the women's prison. The search extended towards Costa del Este based on the surviving child's account that both boys were playing and entered the river when the current took his companion. Authorities have not yet independently confirmed the report.

Due to falling darkness, the search was suspended at 6 p.m. and is scheduled to resume at 6 a.m. Friday. Sinaproc and the Fire Department warned of increased water flow in local rivers and streams following heavy afternoon rains, attributed to Tropical Wave No. 39. They urged the public to exercise extreme caution with children during rainfall, advising against playing near drains, gutters, rivers, or streams, as saturated ground can cause small landslides and dangerous currents.

More rainfall is anticipated over the weekend due to Tropical Wave No. 39, which is currently over Panama, and Tropical Wave No. 40, expected to enter the country on Saturday. Officials are emphasizing preventative measures to avoid similar incidents.