World · 21 August 2026

Panama Canal to cut daily ships by four due to El Niño drought

The Panama Canal Authority will reduce the number of ships passing through the vital waterway because of low rainfall. From 15 September, 32 vessels a day will use the canal, down from 36, as the authority aims to protect water supplies. This year's El Niño, a global weather pattern, is expected to be particularly strong.

By BriefTea Editorial · 21 August 2026 at 15:23

Reported by BBC · How we write briefs

Get the app

Understand this story

Why is the canal so important? How does the canal work? What's El Niño?

More briefs

WorldTrump administration places new sanctions on 26 targets connected to Iran WorldTrump cancels plans to livestream the execution of the Fort Hood shooter WorldUkraine Passes Parcel Tax Bill to Unlock IMF and EU Aid PoliticsBulgarian PM Backs Trump-Putin Diesel Deal at EU Summit WorldUS brain fungus cases quadruple in two years PoliticsJapan's Farm Minister Kazuo Yana Resigns More world stories → Browse all stories →