Panama Declares National Emergency After 7.7-Magnitude Quake, 200 Aftershocks Recorded
More than 200 aftershocks have followed Friday's 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Panama's central provinces; no deaths are reported, but 27 people were injured, nearly 900 homes were damaged, and the government declared a national emergency, unlocking up to $100 million in relief.
Panama has recorded more than 200 aftershocks since Friday’s 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the country’s central provinces, damaging hundreds of homes and infrastructure and prompting the government to declare a national state of emergency over the weekend.
No deaths have been reported, but at least 27 people were injured and nearly 900 homes have been damaged, according to emergency authorities — a figure that could rise as assessments continue in remote communities.
The emergency declaration will allow the government to allocate up to $100 million in relief funds without exceeding its 2026 fiscal deficit target of 3.5% of GDP, the economy ministry said.
Aftershocks continuing, but easing
“We have already recorded more than 200 aftershocks, and they are continuing, but their magnitude is decreasing and the intervals between them are getting longer,” Nestor Luke, director of the University of Panama’s Institute of Geosciences, told Reuters.
The United States has pledged $5 million in assistance and is sending a 20-member team to help with rescue operations and infrastructure assessments, U.S. Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera said.
President visits damaged regions
President Jose Raul Mulino visited affected areas to deliver aid and called for urgent repairs to roads and bridges to facilitate relief efforts. At least 14 bridges were damaged in the provinces of Veraguas and Los Santos, according to officials.
Classes were suspended nationwide on Monday, while the Panama Canal said shipping operations remained unaffected by the earthquake.
Reporting based on coverage by Reuters.
