Panama's Cabinet Council together with the Ministry of the Environment declared a State of Environmental Emergency

The Panamanian State declared a State of Environmental Emergency throughout the national territory due to the prolonged drought and the high probabilities of the arrival of the El Niño Phenomenon. Through the Resolution of the Cabinet Council, approved on Tuesday, May 30, amounts totaling approximately US$ 35 million were established and will be distributed among different related institutions, explained the Vice Minister of Agricultural Development, Alexis Pineda. With these funds, the Government seeks to ensure financial availability and expeditious transfers of funds in the face of situations that may arise in the coming months, explained the Vice Minister of Agricultural Development. The Ministry of Agricultural Development, the Institute of National Aqueduct and Sewerage, the Ministry of Environment, the National Authority of Public Services and the Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology of Panama are the entities authorized to make the necessary special contracts to face the State of Environmental Emergency, according to the approved resolution. High temperatures, evaporation and lack of rainfall are the preamble to the arrival of a possible El Niño phenomenon, which would reduce water production for human consumption and agricultural activity throughout the country, according to the Ministry of Environment's report.