< sigh >
Do we REALLY have to go through this again?
The Panama Canal is not at sea level, and it is not powered by sea water. It's powered by fresh water, derived from rain, and stored in artificial lakes.
1) Panama is currently experiencing a time of less than normal rainfall. Therefore, less fresh water is available to run the canal.
2) The ChiComs doubled the carrying capacity of the canal locks, but they didn't double the amount of fresh water available to run it ...
I'm sure you can take it from there, to understand the nature of the problem.
Are you saying both ends of the Panama Canal are not at sea level? Pump water to the lake and keep it flowing.