Heavy rainfall in western Panama has caused the San Bartolo River to overflow, severely damaging a containment wall at a critical water treatment plant and cutting off potable water for more than 20,000 residents. The incident occurred in the San Bartolo corregimiento of the Barú district in Chiriquí Province, prompting an emergency response from national authorities.
The National Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (Idaan) confirmed its San Bartolo treatment plant is out of operation due to the structural damage sustained from the river’s surge. The water supply disruption directly impacts communities in the El Palmar and Puerto Armuelles sectors, leaving thousands without access to clean water.
Emergency Monitoring and Regional Impact
Personnel from the Chiriquí Fire Department and the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) are maintaining constant monitoring operations along the San Bartolo River. Authorities are also watching other tributaries, including the Palo Blanco and Chiriquí Viejo rivers, which have experienced increased water levels but currently remain within their banks.
“We are maintaining constant monitoring in the San Bartolo River and other tributaries,” a Sinaproc official stated, confirming the ongoing vigilance in the region.
The emergency response underscores the vulnerability of key infrastructure to extreme weather events in the region. The flooding highlights ongoing concerns about climate impacts on Panama’s water security systems.
Public Safety Warnings Issued
Panamanian authorities have reiterated calls for residents living near rivers, streams, and lakes to exercise extreme caution. Officials specifically warned against fishing activities and urged communities in high-risk zones to remain alert to potential emergencies.
“We call on the population residing in areas near rivers, streams, and lakes to avoid fishing activities and stay alert to any eventuality, especially in areas considered high risk,” authorities warned in a public statement [Translated from Spanish].
The warnings come as Panama continues to experience indirect effects from regional weather systems, including potential flooding and landslides that often accompany heavy seasonal rains.
For official updates on the situation, residents are directed to monitor announcements from the National Civil Protection System. The Idaan has not yet provided a timeline for restoring full water service to the affected communities in Barú district as damage assessments continue.