Panama has declared a state of emergency due to a strengthening El Niño phenomenon, anticipating a harsher-than-normal dry season. The country is already experiencing water stress across all eleven of its major watersheds. This stress is negatively impacting both drinking water treatment facilities and power generation. Authorities fear reduced water levels will exacerbate existing challenges in providing essential services to the population. The declaration aims to enable proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of the drought. Further restrictions on water usage and energy consumption may be implemented to conserve resources. The government is urging citizens to prepare for potential disruptions.