Panama City Floods: Expert Reveals Solutions to Persistent Urban Drainage Problems

Panama City Flooding: Urban Designer Highlights Infrastructure Issues and Solutions Panama City, PA – June 4, 2025 – Recent heavy rains have once again caused significant flooding in Panama City, highlighting ongoing infrastructure challenges. TVN Noticias interviewed José Isturain, an urban designer, who provided insights into the causes and potential solutions. Isturain explained that the city's extensive urbanization has led to a significant reduction in permeable surfaces. "Urbanization signifies converting soil into impermeable surfaces," he stated. This means that rainwater cannot be absorbed into the ground, leading to increased runoff and flooding. The video shows several locations in the city where streets are submerged. The expert suggests implementing sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS), including permeable pavements, rain gardens, and detention basins. He mentions the need for collaboration between local governments and other stakeholders to address the problem. Isturain also points out that "changing a pluvial drainage system requires destroying the entire street," highlighting the scale of the necessary changes. The interview offers a constructive approach to the problem, emphasizing the need for long-term planning and collaboration to create a more resilient urban environment.