Panama reminds pilgrims to call 911 in case of emergencies during WYD
The Panamanian authorities reminded pilgrims today that they will attend the World Youth Day (WYD), which will be held from next January 22 in the country, the only phone number that will be available in case of emergencies will be the 911
The director of the National System of Civil Protection (Sinaproc), José Donderis, explained in a press conference that number 911 will attend from hospital emergencies and rescues to fires and incidents that require police intervention.
"We have coordinated air, land and sea resources to guarantee the safety of pilgrims and all Panamanians," he said.
Panama will host, between January 22 and 27, 2019, the WYD, one of the most important events of the Catholic Church, which every three years brings together thousands of young people from all over the world with the Pope.
The visit of Francisco, who will arrive in Panama on January 23 and will leave on the 27th, has generated an immense interest not only in this country but throughout Central America, since the last pontiff who traveled to the region was John Paul II in 1983 and 1996.
Pope Francis' agenda includes mass masses and meetings with the Panamanian Government and the Central American bishopric, as well as visits to a youth prison and a social shelter run by the Church.
The Panamanian Episcopal Conference reported in November that there are already 226,000 registered pilgrims and about 5,000 accredited journalists.
The Panamanian Government estimates that WYD will generate $ 250 million in revenue and, although it has not officially reported on the costs, different local media suggest that the event will demand at least $ 47 million.
