Panama: Power outage occurring nationwide Dec. 24 /update 1

The Electric Transmission Company (ETESA) has reported that power outages are occurring in several areas across Panama, including Panama City, due to an unspecified fault that happened in the Panama 1 substation in Condado del Rey in Panama Province around 10:08 on Dec. 24. Officials report disruptions are occurring on Panamas Metro lines 1 and 2 and across several water treatment plants nationwide. Institute of National Aqueducts and Sewers (Idaan) confirms the Frederico Guardia Conte Water treatment plant has stopped operations; the plant supplies water to Panama City. The power outage also affects the Mendoza and Jaime Diaz water treatment plants in La Chorrera and Airijan. ETESA officials have stated they are working to restore the power. However, they did not estimate when services will be completely restored.

Lingering disruptions to transport, business, internet service, and telecommunications are likely in areas subject to the power outage. The blackout could result in temporarily unavailable essential services, such as ATMs and filling stations. The power outage could also adversely affect security protocols, including alarm systems and electronic fences; opportunistic criminal activity could increase during the electricity outage. Protests may materialize in the event of a prolonged outage. Although there have been no reports of the power outage impacting airports, flight delays, and cancellations are still possible at the facility and other airports affected by the outage. Lingering disruptions may occur for several hours after regular power supply resumes as carriers reposition aircraft and work to resolve passenger backlogs. Ground traffic disruptions are possible in areas experiencing power disruptions due to malfunctioning traffic signals.