‘It was a terrible thing’: Panama declares state of emergency as quake aftershocks rattle communities
More than 100 aftershocks as high as magnitude-5.8 recorded after two quakes toppled buildings and prompted evacuations
TL;DR
- Panama declared a state of emergency due to two powerful earthquakes (7.7 and 6.6 magnitude) and over 100 aftershocks.
- Damage reported in all 10 provinces and two Indigenous territories, affecting homes, schools, healthcare facilities, roads, and hotels.
- 27 people reported with minor to moderate injuries.
- The central provinces of Veraguas, Herrera, Cocle, and Los Santos experienced the most damage.
- Approximately 420 homes and 420 public schools were damaged.
- Some communities remain cut off due to landslides and road damage.
- International support includes aid from the US, with a disaster response team and $5m in humanitarian assistance pledged, and delivery of food via helicopter.
- The country's strict building codes may have contributed to avoiding widespread deaths.