Scroll

23 Nov 2016 / Panama

Red Alert issued for Hurricane Otto

As Hurricane Otto progresses through Central America, Panamanian national authorities have elevated safety concerns by issuing a RED ALERT nationwide. Harbour movements have been suspended until further notice and some ports and terminals (such as Cristobal and MIT) have suspended operations.

Although Panama Canal transits are currently continuing, attendance at Balboa and Cristobal anchorages are experiencing delays and interruptions.

Effects already seen include flooding, landslides and falling trees and branches. Due to excessive rainfall the Panama Canal has opened 13 of 14 of the Gatun water dam gates (spillway) to prevent excessive flooding.

There are several delays and setbacks due to both the strong wind (gusts recorded in excess of 70 mph) and constant, heavy rains both at Balboa and Cristobal.

The National Hurricane Center (http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/) has issued a hurricane watch for the Costa Rica/Panama border and the Southern Nicaragua, and we understand that the constant, heavy rain may continue for at least another 24 hours as tropical storm Otto progresses.

In light of the worsening conditions, GAC-Wilford & McKay yesterday (22 November) evacuated non-essential staff from its Cristobal office, leaving it manned by watch staff. Responses to emails may be delayed, and contact should be by mobile phones for the time being, as below:
Omiros Diamantis, Operations - Mobile: +50766133447
Jorge J. Corredoira, Operations - Mobile: +50766158170
Fernando Chang, Operations Manager - Mobile: +50766140489

For information about operations in Panama contact GAC-Wilford & McKay at [email protected]

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.

Make an
enquiry

enquiry icon

Find your
country

country icon