Panama has declared a state of emergency after powerful earthquakes damaged homes, schools, hospitals and other infrastructure, prompting evacuations and emergency assistance across the Central American country.
The government announced the emergency on Saturday, October 10, following two earthquakes that struck on Friday. The stronger tremor was initially reported at magnitude 7.7, while the second measured 6.6. Authorities said the disaster affected all 10 provinces and two Indigenous territories.
The earthquakes triggered more than 100 aftershocks, including several measuring above magnitude 5. Residents in affected communities reported damaged buildings, collapsed homes and disrupted transport routes.
Malitzie Rivera, deputy director of Panama’s National Civil Protection System, reported that 27 people had sustained injuries ranging from minor to moderate. No deaths had been attributed to the earthquakes in the initial official reports.
Government assessments identified damage to approximately 420 homes and 420 public schools. Healthcare facilities, hotels, churches and bridges were also affected, particularly in the provinces of Herrera, Los Santos, Coclé and Veraguas.
The government declared the emergency to accelerate relief operations and provide financial assistance for reconstruction. Officials said up to $100 million could be made available to address the damage.
The United States has also pledged $5 million in humanitarian assistance and deployed disaster-response personnel to support local authorities.
Despite the extensive damage, the Panama Canal and major transport infrastructure continued operating after temporary disruptions.
Authorities are assessing damaged buildings and assisting affected families as aftershocks continue.
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