Panama’s government announced a state of emergency after two powerful earthquakes struck the country, causing widespread damage across all provinces and Indigenous territories. While there were no reported deaths, numerous buildings collapsed, leading to evacuations.
The earthquakes, measuring 7.7 and 6.6 magnitudes, triggered over 100 aftershocks, with some reaching magnitudes of 5.8, 5.5, and 5.2. The epicenter of the first quake was near Pitaloza Arriba, southwest of Herrera province, with a depth of 10 kilometers. The impact was felt as far as Colombia.
Homes, schools, hospitals, roads, and hotels were among the structures damaged, with reports of 27 people sustaining injuries. The central provinces of Veraguas, Herrera, Cocle, and Los Santos bore the brunt of the destruction, with approximately 420 homes, public schools, churches, hotels, and bridges affected.
In La Villa de Los Santos, a historic community, several buildings, including a Catholic church, suffered severe damage. Despite the devastation, Panama’s strict building codes likely contributed to the lower casualty count compared to recent earthquakes in neighboring countries.
Due to landslides and road damage, some communities remained isolated. Evacuations were necessary on Isla Cana due to rising sea levels, while shelters accommodated displaced individuals in Penonome. The earthquakes disrupted water treatment plants, airport operations, and caused structural damage to key buildings.
Messages of support poured in from neighboring countries, with the U.S. pledging $5 million in humanitarian aid and dispatching a disaster response team to assist with search and rescue efforts. The U.S. Southern Command also provided food assistance to affected Panamanian communities.