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☆ Panama Canal drought hits new crisis level with nearly half of vessel traffic targeted for cuts
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-03 | by ( Lori Ann Larocco | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

PANAMA CITY, PANAMA - SEPTEMBER 22: The container ship Maersk Bogor is guided by a tugboat as it prepares to enter the Miraflores locks while transiting the Panama Canal on September 22, 2023 in Panama City, Panama. The Panama Canal Authority is continuing to restrict the number of vessels that pass through the Panama Canal locks as drought has caused water levels at Gatun Lake to drop. Over one hundred ships are waiting to transit the canal and the backup could delay goods heading to the United States for the holiday season. The Panama Canal is popular for East Coast trade because it is faster than other options. Traveling through the Panama Canal takes only 35 days.

Persons: Justin Sullivan, Adil Ashiq, Alan Baer, Baer, Jon Davis, Davis, Ashiq, Paul Brashier Organizations: PANAMA CITY, The Panama Canal, Port, CNBC Supply Chain, Panama Canal Authority, East, Panama Canal, MarineTraffic, USA, CNBC, U.S, ITS Logistics Locations: PANAMA, Bogor, Miraflores, Panama, Panama City, The Panama, Colon, Caribbean, United States, Cape Horn, South America, East, Charleston, El Nino, East Coast, Shenzhen, China, Miami , Florida, Suez, North America, U.S, West Coast, Asia, Gulf

Panama's legislature first agreed a contract extension with Canadian mining company First Quantum and it's local subsidiary, Minera Panama, in March. Eight lawsuits were also filed with Panama's Supreme Court arguing it was unconstitutional. Critics warned using a new law to revoke the contract could leave the government liable to legal action from Minera Panama. Earlier in the day nurses marched to the Supreme Court building to demand judges prioritize the constitutionality lawsuits. The mine is “in the middle of a jungle,” according to Minera Panama’s own contractor, Jan De Nu Group.

Persons: —, Laurentino Cortizo, Cortizo, Minera, Jan De, El Organizations: PANAMA CITY, National Assembly, Minera, Mineral Resources, Panama's, Toronto Stock Exchange, Supreme Court, Jan De Nu, Global Forest Watch, El Nino Locations: PANAMA, Minera Panama, Colon, Panama

☆ Panama Canal to slash booking slots due to drought over coming months
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Monrovia NSU CHALLENGER bulk carrier transits the expanded canal through Cocoli Locks at the Panama Canal, on the outskirts of Panama City, Panama April 19, 2023. REUTERS/Aris Martinez/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsPANAMA CITY, Oct 31 (Reuters) - The Panama Canal, one of the world's main maritime trade routes, will further reduce daily ship crossings in the coming months due to a severe drought, the authorities managing the canal said late on Monday, increasing shipping costs. Booking slots will be cut to 25 per day starting Nov. 3 from an already reduced 31 per day, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) said in a client advisory, and will be gradually reduced further over the next three months to 18 slots from Feb. 1. In recent months, the ACP has imposed various passage restrictions to conserve scarce water, including cutting vessel draft and daily passage authorizations. It also said delays for some gas transporters were at record highs in Panama, pushing up the cost of shipping liquefied gas from the U.S.

Persons: Aris Martinez, Eli Moreno, Brendan O'Boyle, Isabel Woodford, Josie Kao Organizations: Monrovia NSU CHALLENGER, REUTERS, PANAMA CITY, Panama Canal Authority, U.S . Energy, Administration, Thomson Locations: Cocoli, Panama, Panama City, PANAMA, Gatun Lake

TORONTO, Oct 30 (Reuters) - Shares in First Quantum Minerals (FM.TO) closed down 28% on Monday after Panama's government said it will hold a referendum on whether to scrap a mining contract awarded to the Canadian mining company on Oct. 20. Shares of First Quantum closed at C$20 after falling as much as 30% earlier in the trading session. President Laurentino Cortizo's decision to hold a binding referendum on Dec. 17 comes after 10 months of disputes regarding First Quantum's open pit mine at Cobre Panama. Thousands of people hit the streets over last weekend after the government approved the new contract with the company. Cobre Panama represents nearly 5% of Panama's gross domestic product and 1.5% of global copper production, according to RBC Capital Markets.

Persons: Panama's, Laurentino, Jefferies, Divya Rajagopal, Eli Moreno, Valentine Hilarie, Tomasz Janowski, Will Dunham, Jan Harvey Organizations: TORONTO, Quantum Minerals, Central American, Cobre, RBC Capital Markets, Thomson Locations: Toronto, Panama, Cobre Panama, Panama City

Panama's President Laurentino Cortizo Cohen addresses the 78th Session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York City, U.S., September 19, 2023. "I've respectfully listened to those who oppose the contract with Minera Panama," Cortizo said, using the name of First Quantum's local unit. Neither First Quantum nor Minera Panama immediately responded to requests for comment. On Saturday, Minera Panama voiced concern after protesters on boats approached the international Punta Rincon port where it operates. After Cortizo's announcement, Panama's main workers' union said its members will keep protesting in the streets until the contract is annulled.

Persons: Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, Eduardo Munoz, Laurentino Cortizo, Cortizo, I've, Minera, Valentine Hilaire, Elida Moreno, Daina Beth Solomon, Christian Schmollinger, Simon Cameron, Moore Organizations: General Assembly, REUTERS, PANAMA CITY, Sunday Panama, Minera, Central, Protesters, Critics, Punta Rincon, Thomson Locations: New York City, U.S, PANAMA, Panama, Central American, Minera Panama

☆ Panama protesters detained in mine contract clashes, police injured
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

View of the Cobre Panama mine, of Canadian First Quantum Minerals, in Donoso, Panama, December 6, 2022. REUTERS/Aris Martínez/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsCompanies First Quantum Minerals Ltd FollowPANAMA CITY, Oct 24 (Reuters) - Police arrested nearly 50 protesters in Panama in confrontations over a new government-approved contract for a major copper mine, officials said on Tuesday, adding that five police officers were injured in the clashes. Last week, lawmakers gave final approval for the extended concession covering the Cobre Panama mine operated by Canada's First Quantum (FM.TO). Some locals and civic organizations have opposed the contract due largely to concerns about the mine's environmental impact. The police noted two officers were wounded by gunshots on Monday night in Panama City, while three others where beaten in a street blockade in Chiriqui.

Persons: Laurentino Cortizo, Elida Moreno, Sarah Morland, David Alire Garcia, Rod Nickel Organizations: Minerals, REUTERS, Aris, Quantum Minerals, PANAMA CITY, Police, Pan, Thomson Locations: Panama, Donoso, Colon, Chiriqui, Central America, Panama City

PANAMA CITY (AP) — Protesters blocked streets across Panama on Monday, demanding the government rescind a contract to continue copper mining in a biodiverse region. Across Panama City, peaceful protesters handed out fliers, but in some areas on the outskirts of the capital police met protesters with tear gas. The government used social media to highlight the “enormous contribution” the mine — Panama's largest private investment ever — makes to the country's economy. Minera Panama says the mine will employ thousands of Panamanians and that its shipments make 80% of the country's total exports. The new contract, initially slowed by labor disagreements, secures Panama at least $375 million a year from Minera Panama, over 10 times more than the previous deal.

Persons: Laurentino Cortizo, Fernando Abrego, ”, Saúl Méndez, Abrego Organizations: PANAMA CITY, —, Department of Education, University of Panama, Minera, Panama's Association of Teachers, Teachers Locations: PANAMA, Panama, Colon, Panama City, Panama's, Minera Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, ”

Flight to Florida Returns to Panama Over a Suspected Bomb That Turns Out to Be an Adult DiaperAirport security at Panama City's Tocumen International Airport searched a Copa airline flight bound for Tampa, Florida, for a suspected bomb, only to find an adult diaper

Organizations: Panama City's, Copa Locations: Florida, Panama, Tampa , Florida

☆ Maps of the 2023 ‘Ring of Fire’ Solar Eclipse
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( Jonathan Corum | Katrina Miller | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +13 min

Maps of the 2023 ‘Ring of Fire’ Solar EclipseOn Saturday, Oct. 14, an annular or “ring of fire” solar eclipse will sweep across much of the Western Hemisphere. Viewers outside the path of annularity will see the crescent sun of a partial solar eclipse. The map below shows the path of the eclipse, and the approximate local time when the ring of fire will be visible. NEV. CALIF. Ely Los Angeles Las Vegas Salt Lake City San Diego WYO. Corpus Christi MEXICO 12:00 p.m. MISS.

Persons: Eugene MINN, Louis KAN, Butte Eugene, Ely San Francisco Columbus, Charlotte N.C, Casper, KAN, Torreón, Torreón San Antonio Austin, Eugene Medford, Central Time TEXAS Dallas Torreón, Central Time TEXAS Dallas Torreón San Antonio Austin Organizations: Central, Central America, Viewers, Edmonton BRITISH COLUMBIA SASKATCHEWAN ALBERTA Vancouver, Regina, Seattle Winnipeg Shadow, Ottawa VT, Toronto Medford Boston, Minneapolis S.D ., New York Chicago Des Moines Philadelphia, Reno Salt Lake City NEB . Sacramento OHIO Omaha N.J, Ely, Ely UTAH Columbus San, Indianapolis NEV, Ocean, Fresno COLO, Richmond Louisville St, Las Vegas, Alamos, Flagstaff Santa Fe Los Angeles TENN ., Memphis Albuquerque Columbia, OKLA, San Diego Little Rock, Atlanta Birmingham N.M, Lubbock MISS, Tucson Las, Dallas Jackson ALA, El, El Paso Midland, Odessa, Central Time, Houston New, Tampa Beeville, Corpus Christi, Tampico, Mérida, Mérida Guadalajara JAMAICA, Mexico City Toluca, Puebla Chetumal, Tegucigalpa Guatemala, SALVADOR, NICARAGUA PANAMA, Time, Time Panama City, Edmonton, Edmonton BRITISH COLUMBIA ALBERTA Vancouver SASKATCHEWAN, Calgary MANITOBA Regina QUEBEC ONTARIO Seattle Winnipeg Shadow, Spokane Missoula Portland MAINE Montreal, Boise Toronto, S.D . Minneapolis, S.D . Minneapolis Rapid City N.Y . IDAHO Buffalo, New York Chicago Philadelphia Des Moines Reno, Ely San, Ely San Francisco Columbus UTAH, Time Fresno Richmond Louisville St, Vegas CALIF, Los Alamos Nashville, Santa Fe Los Angeles TENN ., Phoenix San Diego Little Rock, Lubbock Tucson Birmingham, MISS, Dallas Midland Jackson ALA, Time Austin, Time Austin Hermosillo New, Antonio, Tampa, Corpus Christi Miami, Mexico City, Managua Pacific, Pacific Time, Pacific Time BRITISH COLUMBIA Vancouver Seattle Portland, Spokane Medford, Calgary San, Calgary San Francisco Sacramento Missoula, Ely Los Angeles Las, Flagstaff, S.D, Denver, Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs Tucson Pueblo, Colorado Springs Tucson Pueblo Los Alamos Albuquerque NEB, Wichita Kansas City Midland Oklahoma City Odessa, Central Time TEXAS, ARK, Torreón San Antonio Austin Little, Laredo Monterrey, Houston, Christi, Jackson León, New, New Orleans Tampico Mexico City, Tampa Campeche Mérida, Miami Cancún, Havana, SALVADOR Tegucigalpa, Eugene Medford Spokane, San Francisco Sacramento Reno, MONT . IDAHO Fresno, Flagstaff Durango Phoenix Denver, Tucson Pueblo, Midland Oklahoma City Odessa, Central Time TEXAS Dallas, Central Time TEXAS Dallas Torreón San, Laredo Monterrey Beeville Houston, Tampico Mexico City, Campeche Mérida, COSTA RICA, Pacific, San Francisco Sacramento Reno Boise CALIF ., San Francisco Sacramento Reno Boise CALIF . IDAHO Fresno, Portland Toronto, Chicago Denver New, Francisco UNITED STATES, Los Angeles Dallas Atlanta, Austin Houston San, Gulf of Mexico Miami, MEXICO Havana, COLOMBIA Bogotá, Natal Cali, Manaus, Salvador, Portland, Denver New, Angeles Phoenix Atlanta Dallas, Time San, Gulf of Mexico Miami MEXICO Havana, Bogotá Natal, Cali Recife, Manaus Quito, ECUADOR Salvador Pacific Ocean BRAZIL PERU Brasília, Pacific Time Chicago Denver, New York, CANADA, STATES, NASA, Goddard, University of Arizona, NOAA Locations: Oregon, Texas, of Mexico, Central, Calgary, Regina MANITOBA ONTARIO QUEBEC, Seattle, Pacific Time Spokane Missoula N.D . MAINE Portland MONT, Bismarck Butte, Eugene, Ottawa, Boise, Minneapolis S.D, Minneapolis S.D . IDAHO Rapid City N.Y, Buffalo CONN . Milwaukee WYO, Casper Detroit IOWA, New York Chicago, Reno Salt Lake City NEB . Sacramento OHIO, Ely UTAH, Ely UTAH Columbus San Francisco, Denver, Ocean Kansas, Richmond, Louis KAN . VA, CALIF . KY, Las, Las Vegas Durango Wichita, N.C, Flagstaff Santa Fe Los Angeles, Flagstaff Santa Fe Los Angeles TENN . Oklahoma, Memphis, San, Lubbock, Tucson Las Cruces, El Paso, El Paso Midland LA, Odessa San Angelo, Houston New Orleans San Antonio Chihuahua, Tampa Beeville FLA, Corpus, Corpus Christi Laredo, Miami Gulf, Mexico Monterrey, Havana MEXICO CUBA, Mérida Guadalajara, Campeche, Mexico, Puebla, BELIZE HONDURAS, GUATEMALA, Ocean Managua, NICARAGUA, NICARAGUA PANAMA COSTA RICA, Time Panama, Time Panama City San, Edmonton BRITISH, Spokane Missoula Portland MAINE, Spokane Missoula Portland MAINE Montreal MONT, N.D, Bismarck, Butte, Butte Eugene MINN, Boise Toronto Boston Medford, S.D, S.D . Minneapolis Rapid City N.Y, S.D . Minneapolis Rapid City N.Y . IDAHO Buffalo CONN . Milwaukee WYO, Salt Lake City NEB . OHIO, Omaha, Ely San Francisco, W.VA . Kansas, Time, Vegas, Durango KY, Wichita, Los, Santa Fe Los Angeles, Santa Fe Los Angeles TENN . Oklahoma, Flagstaff ARK, Phoenix, Atlanta, TEXAS, El Paso LA, Time Austin Hermosillo, Time Austin Hermosillo New Orleans Houston Chihuahua, Tampa FLA, Gulf of Mexico Monterrey, JAMAICA Guadalajara, Mexico City Campeche, BELIZE, HONDURAS, Tegucigalpa, Managua, NICARAGUA PANAMA, COSTA RICA, Pacific Time BRITISH, Pacific Time BRITISH COLUMBIA Vancouver Seattle Portland Eugene, Spokane, Calgary San Francisco Sacramento, Calgary San Francisco Sacramento Missoula Reno Boise IDAHO Butte Fresno, NEV . CALIF, Ely Los Angeles, Ely Los Angeles Las Vegas Salt Lake City San Diego WYO . UTAH, Rapid, Flagstaff Durango, COLO, Colorado Springs Tucson, Colorado Springs Tucson Pueblo Los Alamos, Santa Fe N.M, Hermosillo Las Cruces Omaha, El Paso Chihuahua Lubbock, Wichita Kansas City Midland Oklahoma City Odessa San Angelo, Torreón San, Houston MEXICO, New Orleans Tampico Mexico, New Orleans Tampico Mexico City Puebla, FLA, Miami, Havana GUATEMALA, CUBA, HONDURAS Managua, JAMAICA COSTA RICA, Panama, PANAMA, COLOMBIA, Pacific, Pacific Time Seattle Portland, San Francisco, San Francisco Sacramento Reno Boise, MONT . IDAHO, Ely Los Angeles Las Vegas Salt, WYO . UTAH, Flagstaff Durango Phoenix, Tucson Pueblo Los Alamos Albuquerque Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Midland Oklahoma City Odessa OKLA, Angelo, Central Time TEXAS Dallas Torreón San Antonio, Laredo Monterrey Beeville, Corpus Christi MEXICO, Tampico Mexico, GUATEMALA BELIZE, COSTA, San Francisco Sacramento Reno Boise CALIF, San Francisco Sacramento Reno Boise CALIF . IDAHO, Tampico, South America, Brazil, Chicago Denver New York, Francisco, Austin Houston San Antonio, Gulf of Mexico, MEXICO, JAMAICA BELIZE, HONDURAS GUATEMALA, PANAMA COSTA RICA, VENEZUELA, Recife, Manaus Quito, ECUADOR, Ocean PERU, Rio de Janeiro BOLIVIA, Toronto, Denver New York, Time San Antonio, Gulf of Mexico Miami MEXICO, Mexico City BELIZE JAMAICA, ECUADOR Salvador Pacific Ocean BRAZIL PERU, Havana, Mexico City BELIZE, PANAMA COSTA RICA VENEZUELA, Cali, Natal, Salvador BRAZIL, Mexico MEXICO, Time COLOMBIA BRAZIL, United States, New York City

☆ Panama Canal trims vessel passage quota again to deal with severe drought
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Monrovia NSU CHALLENGER bulk carrier transits the expanded canal through Cocoli Locks at the Panama Canal, on the outskirts of Panama City, Panama April 19, 2023. The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) in recent months has imposed various passage restrictions to conserve water, including cutting vessel draft and daily passage authorizations, which are normally 36 per day. The restrictions have generated long queues of waiting vessels, although the canal administration said Friday that levels were normal. The effects have led the canal to estimate a reduction in revenues of up to $200 million by 2024. Reporting by Elida Moreno; Editing by Drazen Jorgic and Leslie AdlerOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Aris Martinez, Elida Moreno, Drazen Jorgic, Leslie Adler Organizations: Monrovia NSU CHALLENGER, REUTERS, PANAMA CITY, Panama Canal Authority, ACP, Thomson Locations: Cocoli, Panama, Panama City, PANAMA

☆ Number of migrants crossing Panama's Darien Gap surpasses 400,000 to record high
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( Elida Moreno | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The year-to-date figure of 402,300 migrants is almost double the number for the whole of 2022. The United Nations had estimated in April that the number of migrants for the entire year would be 400,000. Most of the migrants traversing the dangerous stretch of jungle are Venezuelans, with others from Ecuador, Haiti and other countries, Panama's security ministry has said. These measures follow a two-month program launched in April by the United States, Panama and Colombia to tackle undocumented immigration. Some African and Cuban migrants and asylum seekers heading to the United States told Reuters they were flying into Nicaragua to bypass the perils of the Darien Gap.

Persons: Adri, Rodrigo Chaves, Biden, Elida Moreno, Valentine Hilaire, Miral Organizations: REUTERS, PANAMA CITY, United Nations, Reuters, Thomson Locations: U.S, Acandi, Colombia, PANAMA, Panama, United States, Ecuador, Haiti, Costa Rica, Darien, Mexico, Nicaragua

☆ Costa Rica president to visit Panama amid migration crisis
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-24 | by ( Elida Moreno | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Costa Rica President Rodrigo Chaves Robles speaks during his joint statement with French President Emmanuel Macron (not pictured) at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, 24 March 2023. Yoan Valat/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsPANAMA CITY, Sept 23 (Reuters) - Costa Rica's President Rodrigo Chaves will visit Panama's Darien Gap in early October in an effort to contain a migrant crisis, both countries said on Saturday. Some 390,000 people have crossed to Panama from Colombia, traversing the Darien Gap, between January and September. Most of them are Venezuelans, with others from Ecuador, Haiti and other countries, according to Panama's Ministry of Security. Reporting by Elida Moreno in Panama City; Writing by Oliver Griffin; Editing by William MallardOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Rodrigo Chaves Robles, Emmanuel Macron, Yoan, Costa, Rodrigo Chaves, Public Security Juan Pino, Mario Zamora, Elida Moreno, Oliver Griffin, William Mallard Organizations: Costa Rica, PANAMA CITY, Panama's, Public Security, Costa, Panama's Ministry of Security, Thomson Locations: Costa, Paris, France, PANAMA, Darien, Costa Rican, United States, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama City

☆ Costa Rica President to Visit Panama Amid Migration Crisis
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-23 | by ( Sept. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: 1 min

By Elida MorenoPANAMA CITY (Reuters) - Costa Rica's President Rodrigo Chaves will visit Panama's Darien Gap in early October in an effort to contain a migrant crisis, both countries said on Saturday. Panama's Minister of Public Security Juan Pino and his Costa Rican counterpart, Mario Zamora, on Saturday visited communities in the dangerous stretch of jungle, where thousands of migrants pass each day on their way toward the United States. Some 390,000 people have crossed to Panama from Colombia, traversing the Darien Gap, between January and September. Most of them are Venezuelans, with others from Ecuador, Haiti and other countries, according to Panama's Ministry of Security. (Reporting by Elida Moreno in Panama City; Writing by Oliver Griffin; Editing by William Mallard)

Persons: Elida Moreno, Costa, Rodrigo Chaves, Public Security Juan Pino, Mario Zamora, Oliver Griffin, William Mallard Organizations: Elida Moreno PANAMA CITY, Panama's, Public Security, Costa, Panama's Ministry of Security Locations: Darien, Costa Rican, United States, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama City

Map locates the Darién Gap at the border with Colombia and Panama. Also shown are the towns of Capurganá and Acandí on the northwest Colombian coast, and Necolí , a town on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Urabá. Caribbean Sea Gulf of Urabá PANAMA Panama City Capurganá Acandí Necoclí DARIÉN GAP Colombia Pacific Ocean Medellín 50 miles UNITED States 800 miles Atlantic Ocean Mexico Detail area costa rica VENEZuela Pacific Ocean Ecuador BRAZIL

Organizations: Urabá PANAMA, Urabá PANAMA Panama City, GAP, UNITED Locations: Colombia, Panama, Capurganá, Colombian, Urabá ., Urabá, Urabá PANAMA Panama, GAP Colombia, Mexico, VENEZuela, Ocean Ecuador BRAZIL

Monrovia NSU CHALLENGER bulk carrier transits the expanded canal through Cocoli Locks at the Panama Canal, on the outskirts of Panama City, Panama April 19, 2023. REUTERS/Aris Martinez Acquire Licensing RightsSept 12 (Reuters) - The Panama Canal could further reduce the maximum number of vessel transits authorized per day if a drought that has hit the waterway this year continues, its administrator said on Tuesday. In a move to ease the bottleneck of ships waiting, the canal has recently changed its reservation system to allow more non-booked vessels to pass and to give priority to the ships waiting the longest. The head of the Panama Canal Authority, Ricaurte Vasquez, said the waterway would opt for reducing daily transits if needed, before planning any further cut to authorized vessel draft, which affects shippers the most. PROLONGED DROUGHTVasquez said that even though this drought has not been the most severe Panama has ever seen, it could be very long.

Persons: Aris Martinez, Vasquez, Ricaurte Vasquez, Marianna Parraga, Gary McWilliams, Timothy Gardner Organizations: Monrovia NSU CHALLENGER, REUTERS, Aris, Panama Canal Authority, Thomson Locations: Cocoli, Panama, Panama City, Pacific

☆ Panama announces new measures to curb record migration through Darien Gap
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Deportation flights for irregular migrants with criminal records are set to double with the help of the country's security ministry, Panama's immigration institute chief Samira Gozaine said. Official data shows some 352,000 people have crossed the dangerous stretch this year by Sept. 8, already surpassing the record high of nearly 250,000 seen for all of 2022. Panama will also increase financial thresholds at its checkpoints, requiring people expecting to stay 90 days to show proof of funds of at least $1,000, rather than the $500 it previously expected. The United Nations expects crossings through the jungle to surpass 400,000 this year. Reporting by Elida Moreno: Editing by Sarah MorlandOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Samira Gozaine, Elida Moreno, Sarah Morland Organizations: Nicanor Air Base, PANAMA CITY, Authorities, United Nations, Thomson Locations: Choco, Panamanian, Colombia, Darien, Panama, PANAMA

☆ Panama Canal water levels at historic lows, restrictions to remain
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-06 | by ( Elida Moreno | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Bahamian LOS ANGELES SPIRIT crude oil tanker is pictured during its transit in the expanded canal through Cocoli Locks at the Panama Canal, on the outskirts of Panama City, Panama March 10, 2023. The authority that manages the canal added in a statement that this week's ship traffic represents a "normal" level for this season. It noted that a month before the end of its 2023 fiscal year, the canal's total vessel crossings already total nearly 800 more that what the canal authority's budget had forecast. Each vessel passing through the 50-mile (80-km) trans-oceanic waterway uses some 51 million gallons (193 million litres) of water from the lake. They argue that a potential early start to Panama's dry season and hotter-than-average temperatures could increase evaporation and result in near-record low water levels by April.

Persons: Aris Martinez, Eli Moreno, Brendan O'Boyle, Marianna Parraga, David Alire Garcia, Michael Perry Organizations: REUTERS, Aris, PANAMA CITY, Pacific, Thomson Locations: Cocoli, Panama, Panama City, PANAMA

☆ Hurricane Idalia: Florida’s Evacuation Orders by County
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-29 | by ( John Yoon | More About John Yoon | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

More than 20 counties in western and Central Florida have issued evacuation orders as Hurricane Idalia approaches, including parts of Tampa, the state’s third-largest city. Baker County, west of Jacksonville, issued a voluntary evacuation order for low-lying and flood-prone areas and for mobile homes. Dixie County, west of Gainesville, issued a mandatory evacuation order, urging residents to complete preparations by sunset on Tuesday. Gilchrist County, west of Gainesville, issued a voluntary evacuation order for all low-lying areas and mobile homes. Jefferson County, east of Tallahassee, ordered the voluntary evacuation of mobile homes, recreational vehicles and low-lying areas that are prone to floods.

Persons: Simmons, Joe Beach, Johnny Diaz, Claire Moses Locations: Central Florida, Tampa, Florida, Baker County, Jacksonville, Citrus County, U.S, Dixie County, Gainesville, Franklin County, Tallahassee, Gilchrist County, Gulf County, Panama City, Cape San Blas, Mexico, Simmons Bayou, Highland, Hernando County, Tuesday, Hillsborough County, Jefferson County

The Liberian MSC UNITED VIII container ship transits in the expanded canal through Cocoli Locks at the Panama Canal, on the outskirts of Panama City, Panama March 10, 2023. The Panama Canal Authority last week opened two additional slots per day for vessels without booking to transit to help clear bottlenecks on both sides of the interoceanic corridor. As of Tuesday, 125 booked and non-booked vessels were waiting to pass, down from more than 160 ships two weeks ago, according to official numbers. However, the average wait time for vessels to pass has risen to between 10 and 11 days this month, from 6-7 days last month. The waiting surpasses 17 days for cargo vessels and liquefied petroleum gas carriers, and is almost 13 days for tankers.

Persons: Aris Martinez, Gustavo Petro, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Abe Eshkenazi, Elida Moreno, Marianna Parraga, Marguerita Choy Organizations: Liberian MSC UNITED, REUTERS, PANAMA CITY, Panama Canal Authority, Reuters, Tuesday, Panama, U.S, U.S ., Association for Supply Chain Management, Thomson Locations: Cocoli, Panama, Panama City, PANAMA, Asia, South America, Europe, China, U.S . West Coast, Chicago, Houston

[1/2] Monrovia NSU CHALLENGER bulk carrier transits the expanded canal through Cocoli Locks at the Panama Canal, on the outskirts of Panama City, Panama April 19, 2023. The Panama Canal Authority has reduced maximum ship weights and daily ship crossings in a bid to conserve water. Container ships are the most common users of the Panama Canal and transport more than 40% of consumer goods traded between Northeast Asia and the U.S. East Coast. Some shipping executives are bracing for more reductions later this year, noting that in 2020 a less severe drought prompted canal operators to reduce crossings to 27 per day. "The Panama Canal is just the latest example."

Persons: Aris Martinez, Max, Drew Lerner, Peter Sand, Steve Ferreira, STRI's Steven Paton, Paton, Brian Bourke, Lisa Baertlein, Marianna Parraga, Elida Moreno, Louise Breusch Rasmussen, Deepa Babington Organizations: Monrovia NSU CHALLENGER, REUTERS, ANGELES, Evergreen Marine, Pacific, Panama Canal Authority, Northeast, U.S ., Smithsonian Tropical Research, El Nino, Central American, Canal Authority, SEKO Logistics, Thomson Locations: Cocoli, Panama, Panama City, HOUSTON, China, U.S, Northeast Asia, U.S . East Coast . U.S, United States, Chile, Brazil, Suez, Gatun Lake, El, U.S . East Coast, Los Angeles, Houston, Copenhagen

☆ Major shipping routes are struggling with water shortages. El Niño could make it worse
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-21 | by ( Sam Meredith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

A ship navigates the Panama Canal in the area of the Americas' Bridge in Panama City on June 12, 2023. Luis Acosta | Afp | Getty ImagesAn increasing number of climate-driven extreme weather events is taking its toll on the world's major shipping routes — and El Niño could make matters worse. In drought-stricken Panama, low water levels have prompted the Central American country to reduce the number of vessels that pass through the critically important Panama Canal. The Panama Canal Authority, which manages the waterway, said earlier this month that the measures were necessary because of "unprecedented challenges." "Right now, we do not see that filling up of the water levels that a normal year would bring around.

Persons: Luis Acosta, El Niño, El, Peter Sands, Sands, Lars Ostergaard Nielsen, Moller, Balint Porneczi, Nielsen Organizations: Afp, Getty, Central, Atlantic, Panama Canal Authority, CNBC, Analysts, Planet Labs PBC, El, Maersk, Bloomberg, Palatinate . Locations: Panama, Panama City, Central American, Suez, Europe, Asia, Pacific, Germany, Rotterdam, Bacharach, Rhineland, Palatinate, Frankfurt

☆ Pilot Dies After Medical Emergency on Flight From Miami to Chile
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-17 | by ( Chang Che | More About Chang Che | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

A pilot for Latam, the Chilean airline, died on Monday after suffering a health emergency on a flight from Miami to Santiago, Chile, that forced the plane to make an emergency landing in Panama, the airline said. The pilot was part of a three-member crew aboard the flight from Miami International Airport to Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago, Latam said in a statement on Wednesday. The airline, which is based in Santiago, did not disclose the pilot’s name or the nature of the health problem, but said it was “thankful for his 25 years of service” to the airline. “Latam Group is deeply saddened by this event and takes this opportunity to express our most sincere condolences to the family of our employee,” the company said, adding that the pilot was “distinguished by his dedication, professionalism and enthusiasm.”According to FlightAware, a flight-data tracker, the Latam flight, which typically takes roughly eight hours, took off from Miami at 9:41 p.m. Three hours later, the plane, a Boeing 787, made a quick descent, dropping nearly 30,000 feet in 10 minutes before landing at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City.

Persons: Arturo Merino, Latam, FlightAware Organizations: Miami International Airport, “, Boeing, Tocumen Locations: Chilean, Miami, Santiago, Chile, Panama, Panama City

Monrovia NSU CHALLENGER bulk carrier transits the expanded canal through Cocoli Locks at the Panama Canal, on the outskirts of Panama City, Panama April 19, 2023. The Panama Canal is important for moving consumer goods from Asia to the United States, especially ahead of peak selling seasons like Christmas. The Canal also is maintaining a suspension of extraordinary auctions for transit slots in both locks through Sep. 2. "Demand remains high, which proves that the Panama Canal is still competitive in most segments, even with measures taken to save water," the authority added. The Panama Canal has a 40%-market share of containers moving from Northeast Asia to the U.S. East Coast.

Persons: Aris Martinez, Elida Moreno, Marianna Parraga, Gary McWilliams, Grant McCool Organizations: Monrovia NSU CHALLENGER, REUTERS, PANAMA CITY, Panama Canal Authority, Canal Authority, U.S ., Thomson Locations: Cocoli, Panama, Panama City, PANAMA, Asia, United States, South, Pacific Coast, Northeast Asia, U.S . East Coast

Monrovia NSU CHALLENGER bulk carrier transits the expanded canal through Cocoli Locks at the Panama Canal, on the outskirts of Panama City, Panama April 19, 2023. REUTERS/Aris Martinez/File PhotoPANAMA CITY, Aug 10 (Reuters) - The drought-hit Panama Canal has temporarily limited the number of new reserved passage slots to help ease a bottleneck of ships that are waiting to transit without reservations, the waterway's authority said on Thursday. The canal, however, in June postponed further restrictions that would have required ships to lighten their loads to more easily pass. The bottleneck of vessels waiting to pass, however, has grown, prompting logistics and supply chain experts to predict more disruptions. Still, the bottleneck will not fall as hard on shippers as pandemic-era mishaps, including the Suez Canal blockage in 2021, according to shipping firms and customers.

Persons: Aris Martinez, Ricaurte Vasquez, Anatol Feygin, Rolf Habben Jansen, Lloyd, Elida Moreno, Marianna Parraga, Lisa Baertlein, Marguerita Choy Organizations: Monrovia NSU CHALLENGER, REUTERS, PANAMA CITY, Reuters, El, El Nino, Walmart, Cheniere Energy, Thomson Locations: Cocoli, Panama, Panama City, China, El, Suez

☆ 'This is going to get worse before it gets better': Panama Canal pileup due to drought reaches 154 vessels
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-09 | by ( Lori Ann Larocco | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

A ship navigates through the Panama Canal in the area near the Americas' Bridge in Panama City on April 24, 2023. The Panama Canal is a critical trade link for U.S. shippers heading to Gulf and East Coast ports. The U.S. is the largest user of the Panama Canal, with total U.S. commodity export and import containers representing about 73% of Panama Canal traffic. The massive pileup is a result of water conservation measures the Panama Canal Authority deployed in late July due to drought. West Coast ports saw a decrease of 38.3% in July trade, and top East and Gulf Coast ports processed an increase of 46.4%.

Persons: Luis Acosta, Max, Adil Ashiq, Ricaurte Vásquez Morales, Ashiq, Descartes, Stephen Lamar Organizations: Afp, Getty, Panama Canal Authority, Labs, Planet Labs, PCA, Port, MarineTraffic, American Apparel & Footwear Association Locations: Panama, Americas, Panama City, Gulf, East Coast, U.S, Pacific, Port of Balboa, Port of Savannah, North America, Gatun, Coast, West Coast

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