Heavy rains claim 4 lives in western Panama

BOGOTA

Heavy rains have led to floods that resulted in the deaths of four people, with two others reported missing in western Panama.

Severe rainfall has impacted the cities of Chiriqui, Bocas del Toro, Veraguas, Herrera, and Los Santos in western Panama, the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) said in a statement.

The statement noted that search and rescue operations are ongoing, and among the deceased is a police officer.

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased in a post on the social media platform X.

In a statement from Panama's Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology, citizens were warned to remain vigilant as heavy rains are expected to continue.