412 Homes destroyed and 5000 evacuated as floods devastate country

Four hundred and twelve homes have been destroyed by floods and heavy rain, most of them in the Chepo area, east of Panama city.

A total of 4 097 people have been evacuated from 962 houses have been evacuated after  heavy rains caused floods and landslides in various parts of the country, says the National Civil Protection system ( Sinaproc).

Of  the homes destroyed, 390 were in the area of Chepo, 19 in the Kuna Yala and three in Portobelo (Colon).

Flooding continues in the community of El Llano (Chepo) and areas close to  the Gatun and Diablo rivers

Shelters have been established in schools and classes have been suspended in many areas. The University of Panama also canceled classes on Thursday December 9.