PANAMA CITY, Panama – Panama’s National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) declared a red alert for multiple western provinces on Monday, October 27, due to dangerous conditions from the indirect effects of Hurricane Melissa. The emergency declaration mobilizes all national resources for immediate response to widespread flooding, river overflows, and landslides that have forced evacuations.
The red alert is in effect for southern districts in Veraguas province, including Soná, Las Palmas, and Mariato; the Tonosí district in Los Santos province; and the Barú, Renacimiento, and Tierras Altas districts in Chiriquí province. Authorities also elevated the Ngäbe Buglé comarca to a yellow alert status following the drowning of two students in a swollen creek.
“This measure is adopted due to the increase in rains, the overflowing of rivers, and landslides that have affected various communities in the country,” Sinaproc announced on Monday evening [Translated from Spanish].
Emergency Response and Widespread Impact
The red alert triggers the full mobilization of human, logistical, and operational resources from Sinaproc and all government institutions. The priority is providing immediate support to affected communities and ensuring an effective emergency response.
Multiple families have already been evacuated from high-risk areas and relocated to temporary shelters. They are receiving basic assistance and humanitarian aid from inter-agency response teams. Sinaproc is maintaining constant monitoring of river levels and conducting damage assessments in the impacted regions.
The national Emergency Operations Center (COEN) is coordinating all weather monitoring and emergency assistance efforts. The significant rainfall is expected to continue, prompting an extension of the weather vigilance notice.
Extended Weather Vigilance and Regional Alerts
Panama’s Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology has extended its significant rainfall advisory until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, October 30. The advisory covers a vast area, including Veraguas, Herrera, Los Santos, Chiriquí, Bocas del Toro, the Ngäbe Buglé comarca, western Coclé, Panama, Darién, and the Emberá Sambú comarca.
According to the Institute’s forecast, rainfall episodes will be intermittent and potentially continuous over the coming days, sustaining the threat of further flooding and landslides. In addition to the red alert zones, a yellow alert remains in effect for northern Veraguas, Herrera, and the Ngäbe-Buglé region.
The first confirmed fatalities from the severe weather occurred in the Ngäbe Buglé comarca, where two students tragically drowned after being swept away by a powerful current while attempting to cross a swollen creek.
Public Safety Recommendations
Sinaproc has issued urgent safety recommendations for the public in affected and high-risk areas. Residents are advised to stay informed exclusively through official Sinaproc channels and to avoid crossing rivers, creeks, or flooded zones.
The agency also warns against remaining in or traveling through areas prone to landslides or inundations. Families are encouraged to prepare an emergency plan and keep a backpack with essential items ready. Any risk situations or emergencies should be reported immediately to 911 or provincial Sinaproc phone lines.
For more information on Panama’s emergency protocols, visit the official Sinaproc government website. The situation continues to develop as the country responds to the severe weather impacts from Hurricane Melissa. Further updates on the government’s response can be found through medcom panam news coverage.