State of Emergency Declared in Panama After Earthquakes
Following major tremors and hundreds of aftershocks that caused damage across all provinces in the country, authorities have declared a state of emergency.
A state of emergency has been declared across Panama following back-to-back earthquakes measuring 7.7 and 6.6 in magnitude. While no fatalities have been reported in the disaster, which saw over a hundred aftershocks, numerous structures suffered damage and dozens of people were injured.
Emergency Decision Following the Earthquakes
The government of Panama officially declared a state of emergency on Saturday as aftershocks continued in the region following the two powerful earthquakes that shook the country.
State officials announced the state of emergency to the public at a press conference held in Panama City, stating that damage assessment efforts have begun.
Damage and Injuries Nationwide
Authorities stated that no fatalities occurred in Friday's earthquakes, but damage was reported across Panama's 10 provinces and two indigenous regions.
In statements made by National Civil Protection System officials, it was shared that a total of 27 people sustained mild to moderate injuries.
Epicenter and Seismic Data
According to data from the United States Geological Survey, the epicenter of the first earthquake was located approximately 10 kilometers southwest of the settlement of Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera province.
Experts noted that the earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers and was also felt in the neighboring country of Colombia.
Over a Hundred Aftershocks Recorded
Seismologists reported recording nearly a hundred aftershocks following the main earthquakes, including ones reaching magnitudes of 5.8, 5.5, and 5.2.
The aftershocks caused panic among local residents, with communities continuing to shake for hours.
Affected Infrastructure and Structures
The majority of the damage was concentrated in central provinces such as Veraguas, Herrera, Cocle, and Los Santos, where homes, schools, healthcare facilities, and roads were damaged.
The civil protection agency announced that approximately 420 homes, an equal number of public schools, as well as seven hotels, 13 churches, and nine bridges were affected by the earthquake.
International Support and Aid
While messages of support arrived from countries in the region, the U.S. Department of State deployed a disaster response team for search and rescue operations and pledged $5 million in humanitarian aid.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Southern Command announced that food supplies were being delivered to earthquake victims via helicopters.