More concerns over flooding in Panama, this time in Chiriqui where the country’s civil defense agency (Sinaproc) has warned that the Fortuna hydroelectric dam in the district of Gualaca, is close to flooding.

After suffering the rainiest year on record, Panama has headed into  2011 with continuing rainfall in the "Dry season," and forecaster say it  will rain until March.

Sinaproc Regional Manager José Donderis said Friday (January 7): "We are constantly monitoring a network of satellite stations and keeping a close eye on rainfall in the area to avoid an emergency,"

Officials had to evacuate communities near the Bayano reservoir due to high water levels in December.
Donderis said that people living along the Chiriqui River should monitor media reports and be prepared in the case of an emergency.