Panama: Heavy rain, flooding in Panama City and Colón Nov. 13

Event

Heavy rain in the vicinity of Panama City has resulted in flooding and consequent traffic disruptions in parts of the capital and adjacent Colón province on Monday, November 13. In Panama City, the corregimientos (administrative subdivisions) of Río Abajo, Parque Lefevre, Costa del Este, Juan Díaz, as well as Vía España and Avenida Domingo Díaz have been reportedly flooded, resulting in traffic disruptions. Flooding also has reportedly caused localized traffic disruptions in the city of Colón (Colón province) and in the Colón Free Zone (CFZ): the most severely affected areas are downtown, and include First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, 10th, and 13th streets, and Amador Guerrero, Bolivar, Central, Domingo Díaz, Melendez, and Santa Isabel avenues, and surrounding areas.

Continued wet weather conditions are expected to intensify flooding, and consequent traffic disruptions, in these and surrounding areas over the coming days.

Context

Flooding and landslides are relatively common during Panama's long rainy season, which extends from March until December.

Advice

Individuals present in the affected areas in Panama are advised to monitor developments to the situation, to avoid areas directly hit by flooding, and to adhere to any orders issued by the local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult. Additionally, because floodwater may also contain wastewater or chemical products, all items having come into contact with the water should be washed and disinfected and any foodstuffs discarded.