Heavy rains kill 5 in Panama

PANAMA CITY — Heavy rains caused by a recent tropical depression have killed at least five people, including two minors, in Panama, local media reported Tuesday.

The National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) said four of the five fatal victims were drowned and the other one was killed in a landslide.

On Monday, the National Hurricane Center reported that the tropical depression located north of Panama strengthened into tropical storm Rafael, with winds of more than 63 kph.

Panama’s Education Ministry suspended classes nationwide for tomorrow, Wednesday, for both private and public schools.

XINHUA