Panama November rain strikes again. This time Bocas Del Toro, Chiriqui, across to Limon in Costa Rica which is next door to Bocas have been hardest hit. I finally got firsthand news out of Bocas this afternoon when I spoke to a member of the Almirante Baptist church. Since yesterday, the media has been broadcasting the devastating news about both provinces – Chiriqui and Bocas Del Toro. The damage was extensive, 5 lives were lost, and thousands have been displaced and are in various types of shelters.
The town of Almirante where we stayed was badly affected as well. Most of the members of the congregation at First Almirante Baptist have been flooded out of their homes. When I visited Almirante in October, I marveled that such a small town they had 13 supermarkets!! Well now they are coming in very handy. And yet, as is known to happen in these times, food supplies have gone scarce.
This is the major problem right now as the main road to access Bocas from Panama City through Chiriqui has broken away and up to last night the government estimated about 22 days for repairs. That means no access for vehicles bringing supplies. According to the member whom I spoke with the people of Almirante and other parts of Bocas are fussing because they are yet to be reached with emergency supplies.
They heard that a boat would be headed there from off the coast of Colon to them but up to this afternoon it hadn’t reached. This might be because the rain is still pouring and the sea is dangerous right now. The river under the Changuinola bridge is dangerously high as well and so crossing that bridge into Almirante is also out of the question. So they are feeling somewhat isolated. I do hope that by now supplies have reached them.
Check out the extensive coverage offered at Panama-Guide by Don Winner
Thanks Dilcia & Johnny for the Photo of Boquete shared in this post. See the damage done in Boquete in a collection of photos from various contributors at Boquete Weather Watch.
The Panama Baptist Convention is receiving donations to assist those affected by the flood. If you wish to make a donation you may do so through our church as we are coordinating collections on the Atlantic Coast.
Physical address to make deliveries (8am-4pm)
First Isthmian Baptist Church
13th street & Balboa Ave
Colon
Mail
First Isthmian Baptist Church
Box 0301-02702
Colon, Republic of Panama
Tel 011-507-445-1237
Email: stisthmian(at)cwpanama(dot)net
marvia (at)marviaspanamajournal(dot)com
Or you may make direct contact with the Convention office through the General Secretary of the Convention – Sra. Esmeralda Tuy at:
Panama Baptist Convention
Burunga de Arraijan
Carretera Interamericana
Apdo. 6212, Pma 5
Republic de Panama
Telephone: 001-507-259-5485/259-6535
Praying that the rains will cease,
Marvia
I was stuck on the road between Chiriqui and David for two days in an abandoned house surrounded by landslides. I walked 5km of that road that were EXTREMELY damanged. It will be a miracle if that road is drivable in the next several months as it was nearly impossible to walk over the non-existing areas. A huge tragedy for many.
Elsbeth,
Thanks so much for sharing your experience. . I hope you are home now. Were you alone or were others with you? That must have been a really horrifying experience as I know how isolated that area is.
Thank God you made it!
Keep well.
This is so awful. I have not heard from some of family out there and im so worried and stressed, i hope it all works out. this is so sad. i dont know what to do. ive called everyone i can and done what i could.
Hello Christina,
I'm sorry that you haven't been able to make contact with your family. Send me an email at the address in the post with their numbers and I'll try to assist you. Land lines are working in Bocas Del Toro but cell phones are still acting up. Keep praying for us all.
Peace.