JBA Consulting
The catchment of the River Tocumen, on the east of Panama City, has undergone rapid urbanisation in recent
decades. With a resultant loss and degradation of natural habitats including deforestation in the steep upper
catchment, urbanisation in the fluvial floodplains and most recently a rapid loss of mangroves due to land-filling and
raising for coastal property developments. This has contributed to an increase in flood risk from fluvial, pluvial and
coastal sources, with eight deaths and c. 13,000 people impacted by recent floods.
Spatial planning policies and laws have not kept up with the transition of the city to a regional and international hub,
with a lack of adequate zoning, building control and drainage contributing to the flood risk. Flood risk was predicted
to increase significantly, including to the international airport, as a result of land use, climate change and sea-level
rise.
Challenge
We worked with The World Bank and the Municipality of Panama City to investigate the mechanisms, causes and
risks of flooding in the rapidly urbanising Tocumen catchment. Then modelled alternative futures based on nature
based solutions and hybrid solutions which combine green and grey infrastructure.
Flood Risk and Coastal Assessment of the Tocumen River and Prioritisation
of Hybrid Infrastructure for Urban Flood Risk Reduction in Panama City
Location: Panama City, Panama
Solution
The study developed an integrated
hydraulic model of coastal, fluvial and
pluvial flood sources, supported by new
analysis of sea-level rise, rainfall intensity
and land use in the catchment and wider
city.
In parallel, the evolution of the river and
coastal systems over recent decades was
analysed. This identified that there are
opportunities for mangroves to regenerate
and to provide a valuable service
protecting the coastline from erosion. Also
that existing mangroves in urban areas are
exhibiting signs of stress, meaning that
they do not provide the level of protection
offered by a healthy system.
Client/ Partner: Client: The World Bank