Three deaths attributed to bad weather

Civil defense authorities said today that flooding has killed threee people. Two people were killed this morning after a landslide buried a house in Nuevo Arenosa in Capira. This victims were identified as Bonasio Medina, 74, and Santos Medina, 34. Meanwhile, Carlos Biergos, 48, drowned in Quebrada Ancha, Colón. Minister of Housing José Domingo Arias said that flooding of the Caimito River has impacted 13 communities, and that the damage will not be known until the floodwaters go down. Reports indicate that flooding could continue through Monday as more rain is expected in the area. A state of emergency was delcared by President Ricardo Martinelli for La Chorrera, Capira and Colón. He said that this will expedite aid and the reconstruction of bridges and roads damaged in the flooding. The president visited Capira, La Chorrera and Colón. He said the Cabinet Council will meet Tuesday to discuss the situation and what will be done to address the damage caused by the flooding. Vice President Juan Carlos Varela called on the authorities to take all measures at their disposal to help flood victims. The Office of the First Lady has already started distributing food, blankets, sheets, mattresses, bottled water and other humanitarian aid. Civil defense agency Sinaproc has established centers to collect donated items.