Earthquake in Panama, state of emergency declared: 200 aftershocks

The government of Panama has declared a state of emergency following the strong earthquake that occurred last Friday and injured at least 27 people. According to local authorities, the earthquake reached a magnitude of 7.2, while the US Geological Survey (USGS) detected a magnitude of 7.7. The earthquake, with its epicenter near the town of Tonosì, in the south-west of the country, was followed by hundreds of aftershocks. During a press conference, the administration of President José Raúl Mulino announced the establishment of a commission responsible for coordinating assistance interventions and the response to the damage caused by the earthquake. The authorities said they would allocate up to $100 million for reconstruction and support for those affected. Mulino himself had announced the "immediate" activation of a plan for structural assessment and support for all those involved.

Damage to buildings and people evacuated

The earthquake caused damage to homes, schools, healthcare facilities, roads, bridges and water infrastructure, particularly in the provinces of Veraguas, Coclé, Los Santos and Herrera. The Ministry of Education reported 419 affected school facilities across the country, while the Ministry of Health reported 20 affected healthcare facilities. Damage to roads and bridges has limited access to several rural communities. Although water supplies have reportedly been restored to major treatment plants, the situation in affected rural areas is still being assessed. Around 300 people were evacuated as a preventative measure from Isla Caaa, while eight families were welcomed into a temporary shelter in Penonomé.