The new cuts announced Wednesday by authorities in Panama are set to deal an even greater economic blow than previously expected.
One of the most severe droughts to ever hit the Central American nation has stirred chaos in the 50-mile maritime route, causing a traffic jam of boats, casting doubts on the canal’s reliability for international shipping and raising concerns about its affect on global trade.
“It’s vital that the country sends a message that we’re going to take this on and find a solution to this water problem,” Vásquez said.
But the official said that more “efficient” water management and a jump in rainfall in November has at least enabled them to ensure that water levels are high enough for 24 ships to pass daily until the end of April, the start of the next rainy season.
Canal authorities attributed the drought to the El Niño weather phenomenon and climate change, and warned it was urgent for Panama to seek new water sources for both the canal’s operations and human consumption.
The same lakes that fill the canal also provide water for more than 50% of the country of more than 4 million people.
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