DROUGHT: Cabinet mulls declaring state of emergency

Panama’s Cabinet will decide on Tuesday, May 23 whether to announce a state of emergency due to the drought that the country is experiencing due to a lack of rain. The effect of climate change on the dry season has caused various lakes nationwide to remain at a critical level and even some rivers are already dry, a situation that worries the authorities.

Multiple actions have been taken to counteract the effects. However, some people are unaware of the situation in the country and misuse drinking water, unaware that they could be penalized for their actions.

Executive Decree 436 establishes sanctions for those people who do not make rational use of water during the dry season. According to the Institute of National Aqueducts and Sewers (Idaan), these are the activities that may be sanctioned:

Sweep or wash structures such as garages, sidewalks, streets, walls, walls, roofs, among others.

Water streets or unpaved paths and gardens.

Wash automotive equipment or bathe animals with hoses that do not have a control device (pistol).

Open hydrants without the prior authorization of the drinking water service provider

IDAAN called on the population to become aware and make better use of the resource

The period from 2023 to 2027, is forecast to be the hottest ever recorded in the country’s history.