Panama Earthquakes Damage Buildings and Roads Across Provinces

Two powerful earthquakes struck southern Panama on Friday afternoon, damaging buildings and roads near the epicenters in central provinces and triggering evacuations and safety inspections across the country, according to the USGS and Panamanian authorities.

The first quake was centered about 10 kilometers southwest of Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera province at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the USGS. The agency revised the initial magnitude estimate from 8 to 7.6 and later to 7.7.

Multiple aftershocks followed, including events measuring magnitude 5.8, 5.5 and 5.2. The University of Panama recorded more than 45 aftershocks, although many were too weak to be felt.

Rosendo Domínguez, 60, a resident from Herrera province, described the reaction of residents after the shaking reached his area.

"We felt it very strongly. It knocked things over in the kitchen, but we’re okay, though we’re very scared. Everyone is outside, scared." said Rosendo Domínguez.

President José Raúl Mulino said authorities had not documented any deaths or injuries by Friday evening, while warning that the situation could change as assessments continued.

"Nobody was ready, and no one is ever ready for this type of disaster," said José Raúl Mulino, President of Panama.

Omar Smith of the National Civil Protection Service said damage was concentrated in Veraguas, Herrera and Los Santos provinces. He reported injuries, including one person hit by debris from a partially collapsed structure in Penonomé, and damage to several historic and public buildings.

Authorities also reported damage to the Church of San Atanasio in Los Santos province and road fissures in Veraguas. Tocumen International Airport temporarily suspended operations before reopening, while the Panama Canal Authority said operations continued normally during facility inspections.

The United States government offered assistance as regional leaders responded to the earthquake. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he was monitoring developments and mobilizing resources at Panama’s request.

"The United States stands with the people of Panama," said Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State.

Several Latin American governments also offered support, including Colombia, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Peru. Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella expressed solidarity with Panama after the disaster.

"Panama is not alone! You can count on Colombia’s support and our full willingness to provide whatever assistance is needed," said Abelardo de la Espriella, President of Colombia.

The National Weather Service later lifted tsunami warnings issued for Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Guatemala, along with alerts from El Salvador and Chile for Easter Island. Néstor Luque of the University of Panama said waves between 1 and 3 meters were expected near Isla Cañas and the southern coast of Los Santos province.