Flood and landslide in the Republic of Panama

Nine people have died in the Panama Republic following flooding and landslides in the western part of the country. Amongst the damage, over twenty homes were destroyed, leaving almost 100 people homeless.

The floods and landslides occurred in Chiriqui Province after heavy rain fell over the area on 17 August 2014. The President of the Panama Republic has declared a state of emergency in the province, and efforts have been undertaken since then to repair the damage and rescue people affected by the disaster.

The rain caused the Chiriqui Viejo River to burst its banks in Chiriqui Province, which led to flooding in the city of Cerro Punta. The powerful flood waters from the river destroyed three bridges in the province, and rescue workers have constructed a temporary ford for relief and evacuation purposes. Further enhancing the damage from the floods is debris swept along by the river.

Four of the people killed were on a bus which crashed into the river when part of the road they were travelling on collapsed. The floods also left twelve people stranded in Las Nubes, when the overflowing river left them on an island, but they were rescued on 17 August.