16 dead due to natural disasters

Events classified as disastrous in Panama climbed from 215 in 2007 to 309 in 2008.

They ranged from fires to collapsed building and led to the death of 16 people.

However, despite the fact that 2008 was characterized by floods across the country, there were less natural disasters than in 2007.

In 2008, a total of 34 people injured due to structures falling. seven persons were bruised, and 21 received burns due to fires. Six were bruised during floods.

Another 66,651 thousand people were affected by disasters 125 for landslides, 148 by gale, 80 by fires, and 226 by collapsed structures.

In total, there were 2,502 injured who had to leave their homes for different reasons.

Due to disasters, 483 houses were destroyed.

Floods caused 232 houses to be destroyed, while fires were responsible for the other 251.

Some 130 cases were attended in beach and river operations.

During 2008 the Civil Protection System held 203 rescue operations , helping 332 people in different parts of the country.

An additional 300 volunteers were added.