President Asks Institutions to Forego Christmas

President Ricardo Martinelli has asked public entities to  refrain from celebrating Christmas this year due to the tragedy caused by Panama’s recent flooding.

According to the Ministry of Communication release, the government “wants to bring the maximum help to all those Panamanian families who suffered nature’s blow.”

Director of the National Civil Protection System, Arturo Alvarado, said 13,071 people have been affected, a red alert will be maintained and that victims will remain in shelters until water levels in Chepo and the Bayano drop.