Panama Canal reopens after flooding following only third closure in history

The Panama Canal reopened after heavy rains and flooding prompted its closing for only the third time in its storied 96-year history.

 

Officials closed the canal around noon Wednesday after heavy rain in the Chagres River area, caused water behind the Gatun Dam -- which creates Lake Gatun, a significant part of the canal -- to rise.

 

The last time the canal closed was in 1989, after the United States invaded Panama to topple strongman Manuel Noriega.

 

Original source: CNN