BRIEFS: National

Homes threatened by landslides in chiriquí

MAYDÉE ROMERO/LA PRENSA

stuck: A drill near Colón stopped traffic on a busy highway for more than 2 hours yesterday.1054024

Landslides near two homes in the Valle Escondido project in Chiriquí have prompted a review by government officials.

The landslides appear to have been caused by stormwater which is not properly draining. The area was examined by representatives from the Sistema Nacional de Protección Civil (Sinaproc), the Autoridad Nacional del Ambiente (Anam) and municipal engineers from Boquete. Also on hand were officials from the ministries of Salud, Obras Públicas, Comercio e Industrias and Vivienda, as well as the project's promoter.

Sinaproc Regional Director Armando Palacios said that authorities will meet with neighbors to find a solution to the problem. “We are awaiting a report by Obras Públicas to know the real cause of the landslides,” he said, adding that improper drainage appeared to be the cause. The administrative manager of the project, Ana Lía Velásquez, concurred with the assessment and said steps will be taken to ensure the problem is addressed.