A massive power outage has left Panama in darkness after an explosion and fire erupted at the La Chorrera Thermoelectric Power Plant. The disruption, which authorities attribute to a “technical fault” in one of the plant’s generators, has caused widespread electricity outages across the country.
Firefighters are currently battling the flames, while officials have assured the public that power will be gradually restored in the coming hours.

Panama’s President, Jose Raul Mulino, addressed the nation via social media, saying, “The director of ETESA informs me that the damage was caused by a private power generator that triggered the system’s protection. Service will be restored little by little. Stay calm.”

The blackout has also severely impacted water services, as water treatment plants and wells nationwide rely on electricity for operation. Consequently, the supply of drinking water has been suspended until power is fully restored. Authorities have confirmed that personnel remain on-site at each facility, ready to resume operations as soon as electricity is available.

Residents have been urged to remain patient as emergency crews work to resolve the crisis and restore essential services across the nation.