Panama Canal strengthens water planning ahead of a possible severe El Niño event in 2026

The Panama Canal is incorporating the potential impact of a severe El Niño event in 2026 into its planning processes, with ongoing monitoring of climate projections by the Board of Directors and the Water Resources and Compatibility Committee. The article notes that the Gatún and Alhajuela reservoirs remain close to their ideal operating levels, allowing the Canal to meet demands for drinking water, ship transit, and hydroelectric generation when necessary. The article also highlights Panama’s climate vulnerability, including previous severe El Niño events, the 2023 drought, and evidence of moderate water stress in 74.8% of the country’s sub-basins. This reinforces the importance of water and operational planning by the Panama Canal in the face of prolonged climate-related risks.