PANAMA CITY, Panama — A significant power outage has engulfed Panama following an explosion at the La Chorrera Thermoelectric Power Plant. Officials reported that a technical malfunction in one of the generators triggered the blast and subsequent fire, leading to a nationwide blackout.
The incident, which occurred early Tuesday, prompted immediate responses from emergency services, with firefighters actively attempting to contain the blaze. Authorities have linked the explosion to a defect in a privately-owned generator, which they say caused a cascade of malfunctions in the power system.
Panama’s President, Jose Raul Mulino, quickly took to social media to address the nation about the crisis. “A private power generator fault has initiated system-wide protections. Restoration of service will be incremental. I urge everyone to remain calm during this period,” Mulino stated. He assured citizens that the government is working relentlessly to rectify the situation.
The power outage has notably disrupted other critical infrastructure, particularly water supplies. Several water treatment facilities and wells that depend on electrical power have halted operations, leading to a suspension of drinking water services until electricity is restored. Officials have emphasized that the priority is to secure full operational capacity for these essential services as swiftly as possible.
Within Panama City and surrounding districts, residents are experiencing significant difficulties due to the lack of both power and water. Government spokespeople have communicated that full restoration of electricity might take hours and have advised the public to conserve resources and stay informed through official updates.
In the wake of the blackout, municipal authorities and disaster response teams have been mobilized across the country to manage the situation. They are providing assistance in areas most adversely impacted and ensuring that public safety measures are strictly observed during the blackout.
Businesses, schools, and public offices face temporary closures, and the government is urging all employers to grant leniency to workers affected by the outage. Traffic systems and street lighting are also non-operational, raising concerns about transportation safety. Local police are out in force to manage traffic and prevent accidents in unlit streets.
This power outage serves as a significant test for Panama’s disaster preparedness and emergency response mechanisms. With a prompt response and coordinated efforts across multiple government and private entities, authorities remain hopeful that they can control the situation and prevent any long-term consequences of this power disruption.