Classes Suspended Across Bocas del Toro on Monday as Rivers Rise
BOCAS DEL TORO, August 17, 2026 – Classes were suspended on Monday, August 17, across the whole of Bocas del Toro province because of intense rain that has caused rivers and streams to rise, soil saturation, high tides and strong winds, Metro Libre reported.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Emergency Operations Centre, given conditions that could represent a risk to the safe travel of students, teachers and administrative staff, according to the Ministry of Education.
MEDUCA said it is maintaining coordination and communication with the president of the Emergency Operations Centre, SINAPROC, the Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology of Panama and the Bocas del Toro provincial government.
Other authorities are also involved in following the situation and taking the corresponding measures, the ministry said.
MEDUCA recommended that the education community stay alert to information released through official channels.
Why it matters
Families across the province had to make same-day arrangements, and the closure signals how serious authorities consider the flooding.
What happens next
MEDUCA says it will keep following the situation with the emergency authorities before deciding on further days.
