PANAMA: Families evacuated as flood waters sweep residential areas

Record ID: 264536

  • Title: PANAMA: Families evacuated as flood waters sweep residential areas
  • Date: 26th November 2012
  • Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) RESIDENT, BENITO TROYA, SAYING: "At about six or seven in the morning the house was suddenly flooded and we couldn't take anything from the house." ARRAIJAN, PANAMA (NOVEMBER 25, 2012) (REUTERS) RESIDENTS IN FLOODED DISTRICT VARIOUS OF RESIDENTS WALKING IN FLOODED ROADS (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) RESIDENT, KATYA TUNON, SAYING: "We have never seen flood
  • Embargoed: 11th December 2012 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Panama
  • Country: Panama
  • Topics: Disasters
  • Reuters ID: LVAEZRUBBPZEC6CQSYK98U869C46
  • Story Text: Flood waters swept through Panama on Sunday (November 25) after non-stop heavy rains caused rivers to burst their banks near residential areas of the Central American country.
    Authorities declared worst-hit areas north and west of the country an emergency zone as strong currents of flood waters damaged ramshackle homes, blocked access to roads and cut off a number of bridges.
    Residents in impoverished areas such as the town of La Chorrera were unable to salvage much from their homes as rampaging floodwaters hit with little notice.
    "At about six or seven in the morning the house was suddenly flooded and we couldn't take anything from the house," said resident Benito Troya.
    In Arraijan district, resident Katya Tunon told Reuters the level of flooding was unprecedented.
    "We have never seen flooding like this. We have seen flooding in houses close to the river but like this to reach roads and further, never," she said.
    According to local media, two residents died after the downpour set off a landslide. Authorities estimate up to 800 homes could be damaged by the recent rains and flooding.
    "From Friday (November 23) rain started that was four or five times greater than normal in the provinces of Colon and western Panama. These rains have surpassed the normal water level and produced landslide, the consequences of which we are all aware of. We have estimated 650 affected houses in both areas but the number of houses affected could reach 800," said Presidential Minister Roberto Henriquez.
    Authorities have promised a swift response to deal with the crisis, deploying a team of soldiers and volunteers to help distribute aid.
    Local schools were converted into shelters for families looking for a temporary place to stay as they wait for waters to recede.
    Panama's downpour comes just a week before the country's wet season is expected to end in late November.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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