Chiriqui tragedy kills 10, injures, 116
A LARGE natural reservoir that formed on top of Picacho hill, in La Amistad International Park (PILA), led to the creation of the head of water that caused the overflow of the Chiriqui Viejo River affected sectors of Las Nubes and Nueva in Cerro Punta, last Sunday, leading to nine deaths and one missing child.
The heavy rain and flooding river moved giant trees, mud and rocks down the slopes of the hill, said Civil Assistance (SINAPROC) Director Jose Donderis and CEO of the National Environmental Authority (ANAM), Mirei Endara, who on Thursday, August 21 inspected the top of the hill.
116 people were injured, 27 homes destroyed and 42 partially damaged.
Endara, announced that the park remains closed to tourists. A preliminary technical report by Anam officials determined that work is required on watershed management, banks, channel maintenance, reforestation and evaluation of vulnerable areas that are at risk. Families have been banned from inhabiting the areas reports La Prensa.
A 200 strong Government interagency is working to clear debris around the Chiriqui Viejo River and remove mud from homes, andto restore life to the inhabitants of Las Nubes.
SINAPROC will continue the search for the body of three year old, Sergio Garcia, Friday, August 22. It is presumed to be somewhere along the river.
A team from the Ministries of Health and Social Development will provide medical and psychological care, through therapy and recreational activities to survivors who have lost families and homes
The Ministry of Public Works (MOP) has installed three temporary ridges to replace those swept away to allow the transit of vehicles and people to the affected area A further two are 90% complete.
Bugaba district mayor, Carlos Manuel Arauz, has ordered a ban on the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in the districts of Volcan an Cerro Punta.
