2020…the year that keeps on giving!
Hurricane Eta has caused significant flooding, mudslides, and road damage in Chiriquí Province, our 2nd home. Panamá’s National Civil Protection Agency (SINAPROC) is monitoring the situation on the ground and working to assist individuals in the affected areas.
“Media sources report that flash flooding caused by heavy rainfall and rising levels in the Chiriquí Viejo River has impacted multiple areas of Chiriquí Province. Updates indicate that one person was killed and approximately seven people are missing in the Tierras Altas area. Updated sources report that at least 1,000 people and families in Chiriquí have been evacuated. The Hornito highway in Gualaca that connects Bocas del Toro province has collapsed and left an unspecified number of people stranded. There are several landslides occurring in the area. At least 500 residents have been evacuated in the area and housed in evacuation centers as search and rescue operations are underway. At least six people were rescued. At least 214 homes have been damaged or destroyed in multiple locations by floodwaters and fallen trees. Seven homes have been damaged in Boquete District, 15 homes have been damaged in Majagual sector, one home in David District, and 30 homes have been damaged in Baco, with an unspecified number of homes damaged in Corotu, Los Marias, and Baru Districts. At least seven landslides have been registered in Cerro Punta and Volcan and the Ngabe-Bugle region. Several other communities have been isolated by the flooding, and crops have been destroyed. Emergency services are continuing relocation operations for those families affected by the flooding. Resources continue to be mobilized to those affected. Floodwaters are reportedly receding in some areas; however, rainfall is expected to continue across the province. No injuries have been immediately reported. A Yellow Alert has been issued in Chiriquí for Thursday, November 5.”
The Flooding in Northern Panama Crisis Response Facebook Page
According to the PanaTimes, it was reported today that authorities are now confirming the deaths of 5 people in Chiriquí.
Although we are safe and sound in Florida at present, we are very distressed and pray for our Chiriquí friends and family. The Red Cross of Panama and many other organizations and residents have pulled together collecting donations of all kinds for the homeless and affected.
