Portobelo, Colón - 3 November 2025. St. Jeronimo's fort at Portobelo suffers from flooding due to intense rain and sedimentation at the bay

The Ministry of Culture reports that the fort of San Jerónimo, part of the World Heritage Site of the UNESCO "Fortificaciones de la Costa Caribe de Panama," has been affected by flooding today, as a result of intense rain in the Portobelo District since about 2: 00 p.m.

The rainfall, combined with high tidal, increased bay sedimentation and climate change effects, resulted in an outflow of the coastal border and the negging of internal areas of the fort. These phenomena confirm the vulnerability of the site to extreme climate events and the urgency of intervention with sustainable technical solutions.

The National Government, through the Ministry of Culture, reaffirms its commitment to the protection of the historic and cultural heritage of the country. In this context, jobs have been undertaken to restore them fully at the fort of San Jerónimo and other structures of the monumental set of Portobelo.

These actions are part of a plan that includes:
• Special studies of the slopes and catchment areas of Portobelo.
• The design of an integrated rain water management and soil stabilization system.
• Interventions to reduce risks of erosion, flooding and loss of structural integrity of the monument.
• Measures to safeguard cultural heritage and strengthen the sustainable development of local communities.

To preserve the fort of St. Jerome is to preserve the history and identity of Panama. The Ministry of Culture reaffirms that every action undertaken aims to ensure that this legacy remains a symbol of resistance, memory and national pride, accessible to future generations.