Ten migrants drowned when they tried to cross a river in the notorious Darién Gap between Panama and Colombia, according to border authorities in Panama.
The migrants were swept away by the strong currents and were found dead in the indigenous community of Carreto. The drownings may have occurred as early as July 16, but the area is so inaccessible that the tragedy was only discovered now, authorities believe.
The origin of the migrants is under investigation. Over half of the migrants who pass through the Darién Gap usually come from Venezuela.
Last year, a record number of migrants, over half a million, arrived in Panama via the dangerous jungle route. The Darién Gap is a hard-to-reach region covered by rainforest, swamps, and mountains. In addition to the terrain being very difficult, many migrants fall victim to crime when they pass through.
Panama's President José Raúl Mulino has promised to stop migration via the Darién Gap, with support from the USA.
