‘It’s a Major Disaster’: Panama Assesses Damage After 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Panama on Friday left damage to homes, hotels, churches, public buildings and roads across several regions, as authorities continued assessing the emergency. The initial official report did not indicate any fatalities, although injuries and damage to essential infrastructure were reported in a country where the earthquake triggered scenes of panic […]
A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Panama on Friday, leaving a trail of damage across the country without any reported casualties. Credit: Panama Fire Department / X.com. The initial official report revealed damage to homes, hotels, churches, public buildings and roads in several regions, with authorities still assessing the full extent of the emergency.
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino visited affected areas and described the disaster as "major." Emergency response agencies worked to coordinate relief efforts and inspect buildings for safety. Aftershocks increased residents' concerns, leading many to remain outdoors overnight. The provinces of Los Santos, Herrera, Veraguas and Cocle were among the hardest hit.
Tonosi, in Los Santos province, suffered significant destruction, cutting off access and making it difficult to deliver relief. Health Minister Fernando Boyd reported that Tonosí was isolated by road, forcing authorities to attend to residents' immediate needs. Public buildings and community facilities sustained damage across other towns, requiring inspections to determine if they could resume normal operations safely.
The tourism sector faced challenges, with partial collapses reported in some hotels and vacation properties in Playa Blanca. Several businesses temporarily halted operations while safety conditions were evaluated. Educational institutions also reported structural damage, necessitating assessments before resuming normal activities.
Drinking water facilities in Chitre, in Herrera province, were operating at only 20% capacity, raising concerns about water supply reliability. In Panama City, over 100 homes sustained damage, prompting thousands to evacuate buildings due to the earthquake's intensity and duration. The Panama Canal Authority reported normal operations, with no disruptions to vessel traffic, but Tocumen International Airport temporarily suspended flights for inspections.
International aid flowed in, with the U.S. mobilizing resources and personnel, CAF donating US$250,000 and a financing facility of up to US$50 million, and a U.S. team of 22 urban search and rescue experts prepared to assist with damage assessments and rescue operations.
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