Panama Canal to cut daily ship traffic as drought worsens from El Nino
Summary
The Panama Canal will reduce the number of ships passing through each day starting September 3 because a severe drought, caused by the El Nino weather pattern, has lowered water levels. Ship traffic will decrease from 36 to 34 vessels per day, then to 32 vessels starting September 15 to protect water supplies.Key Facts
- The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and is important for global trade.
- It currently allows 36 ships to cross daily but will reduce this to 34 ships on September 3, then 32 ships on September 15.
- The canal relies on rainwater collected in two artificial lakes to operate.
- A drought in Central America, worsened by El Nino, is causing water shortages for the canal.
- El Nino is a climate pattern that warms parts of the Pacific Ocean and changes weather worldwide.
- The Panama Canal handles about 5% of global maritime trade and 40% of US container traffic.
- The canal authority already lowered the maximum ship draft, meaning ships cannot sit as deep in the water, to save water.
- El Nino events usually happen every 2 to 7 years; this year's is one of the strongest recorded.
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