Panama — humanitarian situation

Panama is currently managing localized flooding emergencies in Bocas del Toro province, triggered by intense rainfall, thunderstorms, and wind gusts. The National Civil Protection System SINAPROC declared a Green Alert on 16 August for sectors of Bocas del Toro, the Ngäbe-Buglé comarca, and the Naso Tjër Di region (Cruz Roja Panameña, IFRC). Earlier flooding beginning 2 July affected multiple areas across the province, prompting establishment of an emergency operations center at Police National facilities (Cruz Roja Panameña, IFRC). These hydrometeorological events reflect seasonal rainfall patterns exacerbated by favorable atmospheric conditions identified by Panama's meteorological institute. As of June 2026, Panama hosted 2,733 recognized refugees, with the National Commission for the Protection of Refugees CONARE granting status to 35 individuals from Colombia, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela during the April-June quarter UNHCR. The country functions as both a host nation and transit corridor for mixed migration movements connecting the Caribbean with Central and South America. While irregular transit movements have declined along some traditional routes, Cuban mobility patterns show ongoing reconfiguration, with active pathways linking Cuba and the Caribbean through Central America and increasingly toward South American destinations IOM. Panama's refugee framework continues to operate through CONARE with technical support from UNHCR for case assessments and application of international protection standards UNHCR. Regional health concerns include measles and dengue surveillance requirements. Between January and June 2026, the Americas region reported 22,974 confirmed measles cases across 17 countries, representing a 181 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025, with Mexico, Guatemala, the United States, and Canada accounting for 96 percent of cases PAHO. The Pan American Health Organization urges Member States to strengthen epidemiological surveillance and vaccination activities given increased case reporting and upcoming mass gatherings with international participation PAHO. Regional dengue incidence through epidemiological week 28 showed 1,432,399 suspected cases regionwide, though this represents a 61 percent decrease compared to 2025 PAHO.