flood damage and evacuations continue to surge

(Newsroompanama.com)  The most devastating rains ever recorded in Panama continue to take their toll with the latest surge of floods and landslides occurring in Darien where over thousands have been evacuated..

The emergency operations center (COE)reported 2,700 homes were affected and 22 destroyed.

Over 6,300 have taken refuge in shelters..

Three boats of the National Air Service are transporting an estimated 10 tons of medicines, supplies and equipment, for distribution to affected residents.

The Ministry of Social Affairs has opened a bank account to receive donations to help meet the needs of the thousands of victims left by the floods in the provinces of Colónand Darién, and in eastern and western Panama, and several indigenous regions of the country.

The number of the account in the Savings Fund is 01-0000328467 and is under the name Ministry of the Presidency / floods Darien Yaviza.

Supermarkets in Panama and other locations are collecting ffodatuffs and supplies from customers.

The amount of rainfall in Panama this year is unprecedented, says the Electricity Transmission Company SA (Etesa).
According to data from the meteorological station of Tocumen, "from Decembermber 1 to 12 , 265 mm of waterfell/ The w normal is 63.8 mm.

The rainfall has created water supply problems in many areas,as turbulence makes it difficult for treatment plants to clean water, and many restaurants have opted to cancel dishes requiring the washing of ingredients, and have served meals on disposable plates as washing machines have been without clear water.

The Ministry of Education reported that 300 teachers have been transferred by air from Darien and Kuna Yala and teachers’ union leaders expressed concern that in Chepo and Darien only about 200 educators are working.

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Original Source: Newsroompanama.com

Date Retrieved: December 15, 2101.