Panama City, 11 October, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Panama has declared a national state of emergency after powerful earthquakes struck the Central American country, injuring at least 27 people and damaging hundreds of homes, schools and public buildings. The Panama earthquake disaster has prompted a major government response, with authorities making up to $100 million available for emergency assistance and reconstruction.
The emergency declaration followed a magnitude 7.7 earthquake on Friday, 9 October, and further strong seismic activity. President José Raúl Mulino’s government announced the measures on Saturday as rescue teams assessed damage across affected provinces.
Powerful Tremors Cause Widespread Damage Across Panama
According to the United States Geological Survey, the main earthquake struck near Pitaloza Arriba in southern Panama at a relatively shallow depth.
The tremor was felt across the country, including Panama City, where residents evacuated buildings as shaking disrupted normal activities.
The provinces of Herrera, Los Santos, Veraguas and Coclé were among the hardest hit.
Government assessments identified damage to 426 residences, 419 educational centres and 21 healthcare facilities. Several churches, roads and bridges were also affected.
The historic Church of San Atanasio in La Villa de Los Santos suffered serious damage, highlighting the threat to older buildings.
Panama Government Announces Major Emergency Funding
Following an extraordinary cabinet meeting, the government declared a national emergency to accelerate assistance to affected communities.
Presidency Minister Juan Carlos Orillac announced the decision, while Finance Minister Felipe Chapman outlined the government’s financial response.
Authorities said the emergency arrangements would allow up to $100 million to be channelled towards disaster relief and infrastructure recovery.
The government prioritised support for displaced families, restoring essential services and inspecting damaged buildings.
Officials also coordinated with local authorities to identify communities requiring urgent assistance.
Emergency Services Intensify Rescue and Safety Operations
Panama’s fire service deployed emergency personnel nationwide to inspect buildings and respond to incidents associated with the disaster.
In the capital alone, 125 firefighters participated in response operations, supported by volunteers.
Fire service director Víctor Raúl Álvarez said personnel were prepared to assist authorities with emergency operations and building safety assessments.
Health officials confirmed that medical services were continuing, although four hospitals were treating patients in temporary outdoor facilities while structural inspections proceeded.
At the time of reporting, no deaths had been confirmed.
Earthquake Disruptions Raise Concerns for Residents and Travellers
The disaster has affected transport, education and healthcare services.
Tocumen International Airport temporarily suspended operations following the tremors, while the Panama Canal continued functioning.
The British government updated its travel advice on 9 October, warning travellers about aftershocks and advising them to follow local emergency instructions.
Initial tsunami warnings were subsequently lifted.
For affected communities, the immediate concerns include access to safe housing, functioning schools, medical treatment and reliable transport routes.
Panama Begins Recovery as Authorities Assess Further Damage
The Panama earthquake response is moving towards recovery as government agencies continue assessing damaged infrastructure.
Education officials are reviewing school conditions before determining when lessons can safely resume.
The Ministry of Health is also evaluating affected hospitals and coordinating measures to maintain essential medical services.
International assistance has been offered, including humanitarian support from the United States.
Further damage assessments will determine the scale of reconstruction required and how emergency resources are distributed.
Authorities continue urging residents to remain alert to aftershocks and follow official safety guidance.
