Panama and El Salvador have joined Honduras in declaring emergencies due to a severe drought fueled by El Nino, which has significantly affected Central America. On Tuesday, August 26th, Panama announced its emergency status following similar moves by Honduras and El Salvador. The drought has already forced the Panama Canal to reduce shipping traffic because of dwindling water levels.

Panama's Interior Minister Dinoska Montalvo stated the declaration aims to prepare authorities for the ongoing impacts of El Nino, which is ravaging harvests and raising fears of famine. Meanwhile, El Salvador declared a state of maximum alert to enhance monitoring, surveillance, and aid for affected communities. The Civil Protection department declared a "red alert for meteorological and farming drought across the national territory."

Central America is experiencing record-breaking temperatures, with El Salvador smashing 14 temperature records so far in August. The agriculture ministry has announced food assistance for rural families lacking irrigation systems.

Further south, Peru declared a state of emergency in a third of its cities last week due to El Nino, warning that intense heat and rain could disrupt food production.

Sources