PANAMA (30 May)
Seasonal heavy rains and flooding are reported since mid-May with consequent damage to housing and infrastructure. About 1 000 persons have been affected in the coastal city of Colón and its surroundings, and relief assistance has been provided to the local population. Other localities in the proximity of the border with Costa Rica were also affected by the torrential rains. Emergency measures are being adopted in other communities to cope with the heavy rains which are forecast for the next weeks. Sowing of the 2003 maize and paddy crops has started and average plantings are tentatively forecast.