Heavy Rains and Storms to Drench Panama This Saturday
Panama’s Imhpa forecasts intense showers, lightning and wind gusts this Saturday, warning of possible flooding, waterlogging and isolated landslides in several regions.

Panama’s Imhpa forecasts intense showers, lightning and wind gusts this Saturday, warning of possible flooding, waterlogging and isolated landslides in several regions.

Sections of Vía Israel and the Cinta Costera will close from Saturday night for the Panama City Marathon on Sunday, September 20, with detours and alternate routes in place for drivers.

IFARHU has issued guidance for students whose PASE-U scholarship payments do not appear on their cards, including how to check balances and verify payment calendars. The institute advises students to confirm their payment modality before seeking further assistance.

Panama’s Agricultural Marketing Institute suspended a planned electric pick-up purchase after orders from the Comptroller General and the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The procurement was launched under Law 295 of 2022, which promotes electric mobility and state fleet substitution.

An explosion in Bijao sent a shockwave that damaged the residence of artist Omar Alfanno, who shared video of the aftermath. The cause of the blast has not been disclosed.

Panama’s bus operators are pushing for a fare review as fuel prices climb, but the government has so far maintained its subsidy, leaving passenger fares unchanged for now.

Panama’s Ifarhu has activated a formal collection process targeting overdue student loan debtors and their co-signers. The move could lead to asset seizures as the institute moves to recover outstanding obligations.

Panamanian authorities seized 5,529 packages of suspected illicit drugs and arrested two Colombian nationals aboard a vessel in Pacific waters south of Punta Burica, Chiriquí. The operation, led by the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office with Senan support, underscores Panama’s ongoing role as a major transit route for cocaine headed to the U.S. and Europe.

A source headline reported an explosion in an apartment in Bijao, Coclé, but the article body was empty, leaving no verified details to report.

Panamanian prosecutors presented 46 documented events from a four-year investigation to support charges against 13 people arrested in Operation Poseidon, alleging drug trafficking, money laundering, and organized crime. The alleged leader allegedly ran the network from a ranch in Santiago, Veraguas.
A war of words between the US and Chinese embassies in Panama has escalated over a new parliamentary group linking Panamanian deputies with Taiwan, prompting warnings from Beijing about the future of China-Panama relations. Chinese spokesman Guo Jiakun urged Washington on September 14 to stop sending erroneous signals about Taiwan.

MOCA confirmed leader Ricardo Lombana met with former president Ricardo Martinelli but denied the encounter represents any political agreement or electoral alliance, while criticizing proposed electoral reform changes.

The National Cancer Institute has opened new cancer treatment services at Panama’s City of Health complex, including a high-dose-rate brachytherapy unit, expanding modern radiotherapy options for public patients.

President José Raúl Mulino travels to New York for the UN General Assembly, where he will deliver a speech and hold meetings with world leaders.

Ricardo Lombana visited asylum-backed former president Ricardo Martinelli in Bogota, with sources saying the two have held regular talks for four months, though Moca denies any electoral alliance ahead of 2029.
Comptroller Anel Flores defended Panama’s budget adjustments, saying public benefits remain unaffected, while announcing the refrendo of the fourth bridge addendum and audits of Canal security funds.

Docufiction film “The Dance of the Kokorrdit,” shot in Panama’s Darién region with Wounaan communities, has begun a six-week tour of seven film festivals across five countries, running from Vancouver to Gdańsk.
Some Panama retirees and pensioners may find their CSS deposit has not arrived via ACH. Here is how to verify payment status and report the problem.

Panama’s latest reference prices for gasoline and diesel remain in force until Friday, October 2, with the National Energy Secretariat’s regular adjustments continuing to shape prices at the pump across the country.

Panama’s Operación Justicia Activa has led to the arrest of two suspects allegedly tied to robberies against two companies in Barú, Chiriquí. The operation underscores ongoing efforts to protect businesses in the border province.

