Panama declares state of emergency after 7.7-magnitude earthquake hits entire country

The Panamanian government declared a state of emergency on the 10th local time in response to the disasters caused by the magnitude 7.7 and 6.6 earthquakes that occurred on Friday (9th). Officials pointed out that disasters have been reported in 10 provinces and 2 indigenous autonomous regions across the country, and no deaths have been reported so far.

The Associated Press reported that Panamanian Presidential Minister Juan Carlos Orillac declared a national emergency at a press conference in the capital, Panama City. He pointed out that the strong earthquake caused damage to many buildings, including homes, schools, medical facilities, roads and restaurants.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter of the magnitude 7.7 earthquake was located about 10 kilometers southwest of Pitaloza Arriba, a remote community in the central province of Herrera, with a focal depth of 10 kilometers. Seismologists later detected more than 100 aftershocks, including stronger aftershocks of magnitudes 5.8, 5.5, and 5.2.

Malitzie Rivera, deputy director of Panama's National Civil Protection Service, told the media that 27 people are currently known to have been injured, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate.

According to statistics from the Civil Defense Bureau, the earthquake damage was concentrated in the central provinces of Veraguas, Herrera, Coclé and Los Santos. About 420 homes and about 420 public schools were damaged. 7 hotels, at least 13 churches and 9 bridges were also affected by the earthquake.

The Panama Canal Authority stated that the canal is currently operating as usual and professional technical teams are inspecting whether there is any damage.

The last major earthquake that caused major disasters in Panama occurred in 1991, with a magnitude of 7.4. The epicenter was located in Panama's neighboring country, Costa Rica, causing 23 deaths and 559 injuries.