Water Shortage in Panama

SOURCE www.npr.org
Panama is facing a water shortage issue due to excessive water loss from the Panama Canal. Authorities plan to build a dam that will displace over 2,000 people to address the problem.

Key Points

  • 50 million gallons of fresh water from Lake Gatun pour out into the ocean with each ship passing through the Panama Canal
  • Panama faced a severe drought leading to reduced traffic in the canal
  • Construction of a dam along the Rio Indio to secure more water for the canal

Pros

  • Addressing the water shortage issue
  • Improving water management for the Panama Canal

Cons

  • Displacement of over 2,000 people
  • Environmental impact of building a dam