Panama's Azuero Water Crisis: Businesses and Tourism Suffer

Water Crisis in Azuero, Panama: Tourism and Commerce Severely Affected Azuero, Panama is facing a severe water crisis, impacting the region's vital tourism and commerce sectors. The crisis, which has been ongoing for several days, has left businesses struggling and residents facing water shortages. "The lack of water has severely impacted our business," said one restaurant owner in Los Santos, a district particularly hard hit. "We are unable to operate normally, and this is affecting our income." The report by TVN Noticias shows the effects of the shortage on restaurants, hotels, and other businesses. The video also highlights the efforts of the Instituto de Acueductos y Alcantarillados Nacionales (IDAAN) to normalize the situation, with the Rufina Alfaro water treatment plant currently operating at 75% capacity. Tanker trucks are delivering bottled water to areas still without service. Julissa de Gracia, director of IDAAN Los Santos, stated, "We have registered good pressure in Las Tablas, which is a very good indicator, as water is now reaching places where we didn't have it before." However, challenges persist in more remote areas. Despite the ongoing challenges, the efforts of IDAAN and the community to alleviate the water shortage offer a glimmer of hope for a swift resolution to the crisis.