The two tropical depressions that have combined to form hurricane Ida have moved through Panama . . . so hopefully we may be in store for some sunny days after seemingly days and days of pouring rain. The patriotic parades went on in the rain, even as down the block folks struggled to pick up the pieces of their lives. There was extensive flooding and mud slides in Boquete.
Valle Escondido was particularly hard hit. Although our house in Valle Escondido escaped without damage, our friends up the road, whose house backs up against the valley wall, weren’t so lucky. Their $1 million home is gone. Thankfully our friend Jackie escaped with only the clothes on his back before the mountain came crashing down and the others were all away from Chiriqui. Yesterday we all spent the day up to our knees in mud and rubble . . . and back again today.
Even in “paradise” . . . shit happens.
More tomorrow . . .
6 responses so far ↓
steven walker // November 5, 2009 at 6:59 am
very sad, no one needs this in there life, but let it be a wake up call to these developers, who dont realy take much care about what they do.
Greg Tice // November 5, 2009 at 10:56 am
Wow, thanks for the image. I was hoping that the internet “rumors” were not true. Very sad to see the devastation. We have a Vista Golf III villa and are not in Panama most of the time, so our concern was high as well. I don’t look forward to all of the finger pointing and speculation to come in the valley and hope that we can come together as a community and preserve the beauty and lifestyle that is there. Anyway, looking forward to more posts. Glad to hear your place (new and old) are in good shape.
We’ll be on site in a couple of weeks to survey everything.
Regards
Greg T.
Rosie // November 5, 2009 at 11:26 am
We have to thank god that Jackie is ok, material looses can be replace but the life of our friend we couldn’t get it back.
If Jackie needs help we are happy to do so. He is a good friend.
Rosie and David
Arcinio // November 5, 2009 at 6:24 pm
This is very sad indeed. The Bible says that it rains on the just and the unjust. We all have “rainy days” in our lives. The key is haveing a solid foundation to assist with life’s uncontrolable circumstances. No pun intended, but that solid foundation is Christ our rock. I just spoke to my aunt who lives in Volcan and she said it was raining like crazy over last few days. I don’t mean to be so religious on this blog, but I can’t help it… I’m a preacher.Please let your friend know that we here in California are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers. God will restore everything
donna // November 6, 2009 at 9:42 am
As bad as it is for us who are relatively affluent, there are many Panamanians like our housekeeper who have also lost all and who have no money or insurance to replace it. I have been washing her laundry for 2 days now; doing what I can. We need to give thanks for the ability to rebuild and pray for those who can’t.
richarddetrich // November 12, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Not every expat living in Boquete is “relatively affluent” and has the “ability to rebuild” . . . sorry to disillusion you. Regards, Richard