Although it is normal for Panama to experience heavy rains from early September to late October, which generally cause flooding, river flooding and other weather events, the storms of this October and early November have presented a particularly adverse panorama, with flooding even in Panama City. Since October 11, SINAPROC has maintained its Yellow Alert, pointing out the importance of staying vigilant and prepared to face this climate safely. (See Alert in X)
Update November 10, 2024:
The weather is still quite rainy, especially in the highlands of Chiriquí. As you can see on the map, cloudiness and wind currents are affecting the area of Costa Rica and the western part of Panama. Rain is expected in the coming days, so it is important to keep all the recommendations in this publication in mind, and to keep an eye on SINAPROC's social networks.
Current live weather:
In this regard, do you know what to do in the event of a warning about rain and flooding? It is advisable that you take into account the following recommendations because they will help you protect your life, that of your family, colleagues and friends.
Preparing for a storm helps protect lives and this is the responsibility of each of us.
The alert decree
When an ALERT is declared and it threatens your community, it is time to take preventive action.
- If you are at sea, follow the recommendations of the Panama Maritime Authority.
- Find out where temporary shelters are available.
- If you live in a risk area, remember that the dangers come from strong winds, floods, torrents and landslides caused by softening of hillsides or road closures.
- Talk to your family and friends to organize a civil protection plan, taking into account the following measures: Determine a place to meet if you are separated at a certain time and agree on the distribution of preventive activities that each person will carry out.
- If your home is fragile or in a risk area, have a temporary shelter or shelter available where you can move.
- Make any necessary repairs to roofs, windows and walls to prevent further damage. In particular, check the roof attachment.
- Store fertilizers and insecticides in waterproof places, since they become contaminated when they come into contact with water.
- Provide a place to protect your animals and work equipment.
- Plan for transportation if you have sick, elderly, children, or disabled family members.
Have the following items on hand in case of emergency:
- Keep your CELL PHONE charged.
- First aid kit.
- Battery-powered radio and flashlight with necessary spare parts.
- Purified or boiled water, in containers with lids, as well as canned foods.
- Personal documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, identification cards, agricultural papers, CURP, etc.) kept in plastic bags and inside a backpack or satchel that leaves your arms and hands free.
- If your home is safe and not in a risk area, take protective measures such as:
- Secure and tie down anything that the wind might throw around.
- Take your animals and work equipment to the designated location.
- Put away loose objects (pots, trash cans, tools, etc.) that can be blown away by the wind. Remove television antennas, signs, and hanging objects.
- Clean the roof, drains, gutters and sewers, and sweep the street to unclog the drains.
- If you have a vehicle, make sure your battery is in good condition.
- Seal the lid of your well or cistern with cement mixture to have uncontaminated reserve water.
Emergency decree
When you hear the EMERGENCY message directly in your community, it means that it will undoubtedly be affected at a high level.
At this time, all government agencies will be taking measures to protect the population. No one should be left without doing anything. It is time to take shelter. If the authorities indicate that you should evacuate the area and/or the house where you live, do not hesitate, trust, do it and follow the instructions, because this action is based on knowledge of the danger of the storm. Before taking any action:
- Secure your home and take essential items with you.
- Stay calm and reassure your family. An upset person can make many mistakes.
- Continue listening to your portable radio or monitoring the media for information or instructions regarding the situation.
- Disconnect all appliances and the electrical power switch.
- Turn off the gas and water taps.
- Help alert your acquaintances: when you hear the emergency message, notify your family and neighbors.
If your home is safe and you decided to stay there:
- Stay calm.
- Close doors and windows, protecting the inside of the glass with adhesive tape in an X shape; do not open the curtains, they will protect you from any glass splintering. Alternatively, you can board up the windows.
- Have emergency supplies on hand.
- Keep your battery-operated radio on to receive information and instructions from official sources.
- Constantly monitor the water level near your home.
- Stay away from doors and windows.
- Do not light candles or votive candles, use battery-operated lamps.
- Take care of children, elderly and sick people who are with you.
- If the wind opens a door or window, do not advance towards it head on.
- DO NOT leave your home. Remember that torrents, floods and landslides are the main danger.
- If you are out to sea, under no circumstances should you remain at sea when an emergency is declared.
The ALARM message
When you hear the ALARM message in the community, there is already a dangerous situation in your community:
- If you are in a shelter, do not leave until authorities indicate that the danger is over.
- After the storm has passed, follow the instructions transmitted by the authorities through the media.
- Remember to stay calm – a calm mind can help more in crisis situations.
- If there are injuries, report them immediately to emergency services.
- Make sure your food is clean. Do not eat anything raw or from a questionable source.
- Drink the drinking water you have stored or boil the water you are going to drink.
- Thoroughly clean up any spills of medicines, toxic or flammable substances.
- Carefully check your home to make sure there is no danger.
If your home was not damaged, stay there.
- Keep gas, electricity and water disconnected until you are sure there are no leaks or danger of short circuit.
- Make sure your electrical appliances are dry before plugging them in.
- Please work with your neighbors to repair the damage.
- If necessary, ask for help from the rescue brigade or the nearest authorities.
If your home is in the affected area, you should not return there until authorities tell you to do so.
- Drain standing water to prevent mosquito infestations.
- If you live on hillsides, slopes or mountains, be careful of landslides.
- The authorities will inform you about the support and mechanisms for reconstruction.
If you have to leave your home:
- Stay away from affected areas and from houses, trees and poles in danger of falling.
- Avoid touching or stepping on electrical cables.
- If you live or travel through risk areas, be aware of the dangers: steep slopes with softened soil and few trees can cause landslides.
