Panama says 55 US-bound migrants have died crossing Darien Gap this year

According to Panama's president, Jose Raul Mulino, 'Fifty-five people have died in 2024 on the Darien route. Panamanian authorities suspect the death toll may be higher.'

Mulino highlighted a grim statistic: '180 unaccompanied minors have been abandoned in the Panamanian jungle this year and are now being looked after by child care institutions.'

Despite the dangers of the Darien jungle, it continues to be a key migration corridor: '300,000 migrants have crossed the Darien this year, 41% less than in 2023.'

Describing the tragic circumstances of the abandoned children, Mulino stated, 'It's a very serious problem because... these are minors of different ages, including young children.'

Read at www.theguardian.com