Ten individuals have reportedly drowned in the Darién Gap while attempting to cross a treacherous river in the lawless jungle region linking Colombia and Panama. The victims, whose nationalities have yet to be confirmed, were likely en route to the United States when they were overwhelmed by strong currents, according to Panama’s border force.
The bodies were discovered near the Indigenous community of Carreto on the Caribbean coast. This incident is reported to be one of the deadliest drownings in recent memory, highlighting the continuing dangers of this perilous migration route.
The Darién Gap, a notoriously hazardous stretch of jungle, becomes even more dangerous during the current wet season. The swampy, mountainous terrain is cut through by rushing rivers, which significantly increase the risk of drowning. Last year alone, at least 48 migrants perished in similar circumstances while attempting the grueling, week-long trek through the jungle.
Migrants traversing the Darién Gap face multiple hazards beyond the swift currents, including rampant sexual assault by armed bandits, aggressive tropical infections, venomous snakes, and steep ravines. Despite these dangers, over half a million people made the perilous journey in 2023, doubling the number from the previous year.
The Darién Gap represents the only land crossing for those traveling north through the Americas, and foot traffic has surged since the pandemic. As migration becomes a central issue in the U.S. ahead of the November presidential elections, Washington is increasing pressure on regional governments to curb the flow of migrants.
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Panama’s new president, Jose Raul Mulino, who took office on July 1, had initially vowed to close the jungle corridor with U.S. assistance, offering to repatriate migrants by plane. However, he has since moderated his stance, stating on July 16 that repatriation would need to be voluntary rather than enforced.
In an attempt to manage the influx, Panama’s border police have installed approximately three miles of barbed wire to block certain trails and direct migrants to a designated reception point. Despite these measures, the tragic deaths of the ten migrants underscore that attempts to make the route more challenging may not deter those desperate to make the crossing.
Blaine Bookey of the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies commented on the situation, stating, “These tragic deaths underscore that draconian policies are not a deterrent. When people are fleeing for their lives, they’re willing to take risks of an uncertain death rather than stay trapped in a burning house where death is certain.”
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