One person has lost his life and two others are missing due to heavy rains in Panamafalls since the night before. According to authorities, these weather conditions could evolve into a tropical cyclone during the day.
The deceased is a Police commissioner who lost his life while working in the areas affected by the floods, carrying out rescue work to help the victims, according to official information.
«My sincere condolences to the family and colleagues of @ProtegeryServir Major Isaac Cano, who died in Veraguas serving the Homeland. RIP”wrote the president of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, in X.
Two people missing after heavy rains in Panama
Two people have disappeared while hiking in Chiriquí, on the border with Costa Rica, and rescue teams are currently searching for them.
The Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology of Panama, in its most recent report, indicates that “the Panamanian territory will continue to experience heavy rains, storms and winds, as a consequence of the indirect effects of Tropical Disturbance AL97“, at least until next Tuesday.
It was also warned about the “high probability that a Tropical Cyclone will be declared throughout the day.”
The maximum accumulated rainfall per day is expected to vary between 70 and 259 millimeters, while the winds, coming from the South or the Pacific, will reach speeds of between 10 and 30 kilometers per hour, with gusts that could reach 40 and 60 kilometers per hour.
The authorities have issued a precautionary alert due to river flooding, landslides and flooding in urban and rural areas, which have already been recorded in some regions of the country’s interior, with the province of Veraguas being the most affected.
The intense rains have led to the cancellation of the traditional parades for the “national holidays”, a set of days that celebrate historical events, in the central and northern provinces of the country.
(EFE)
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**Interview with Meteorologist Dr. Elena Vargas on the Current Weather Situation in Panama**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Vargas. We’ve recently heard about the tragic loss of life in Panama due to heavy rains and potential tropical cyclone development. Can you summarize the situation for us?
**Dr. Vargas:** Thank you for having me. The situation in Panama is indeed serious. We are currently experiencing heavy rainfall due to Tropical Disturbance AL97. This has led to significant flooding in several areas, and unfortunately, we have seen one confirmed fatality—a police commissioner who was working on rescue efforts. Additionally, two hikers are currently reported missing in Chiriquí, and search efforts are actively underway.
**Interviewer:** That’s heartbreaking news. What are the forecasts looking like in terms of rainfall and storm activity?
**Dr. Vargas:** The forecasts indicate that the heavy rainfall will continue for the next few days, with expected accumulations ranging from 70 to 259 millimeters per day. The meteorological reports suggest there is a high likelihood of this disturbance evolving into a tropical cyclone by the end of the day. This means we could see increased wind speeds and more severe weather conditions.
**Interviewer:** What precautions are being taken by authorities in response to this weather threat?
**Dr. Vargas:** Authorities have issued a precautionary alert due to the risk of flooding and landslides. They are advising people in vulnerable areas to take shelter and avoid unnecessary travel. Rescue teams are actively conducting missions for those affected, especially for the hikers reported missing. It’s crucial for the community to stay updated and heed warnings from local authorities.
**Interviewer:** With these kinds of weather events, how often do you see such rapid developments into cyclones?
**Dr. Vargas:** Tropical disturbances can develop rapidly under the right conditions, particularly in warm ocean waters which are common in the Caribbean and surrounding areas. The indirect effects of AL97 are significant, and we often see heightened activity during this time of year as the hurricane season peaks.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Vargas, for your insights. Our thoughts are with the families affected and the rescue teams working diligently in these difficult conditions.
**Dr. Vargas:** Thank you for highlighting this important issue. It’s essential that we stay informed and prepared.
