Dual Quakes Devastate Southern Panama
Two earthquakes rocked southern Panama, causing significant damage and leading President Laurentino Cortizo to declare a major disaster in the affected areas. The earthquakes occurred on January 27th, with the first measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale and the second hitting just 20 minutes later with a magnitude of 5.7.
The first quake struck around 9:30 am local time, approximately 10 kilometers south of the town of Paso Canoas. The second quake occurred about 20 kilometers north of the first one, near the border with Costa Rica. No immediate casualties or injuries have been reported, but the tremors have left buildings damaged and infrastructure severely affected.
Panama's seismologist, Dr. Juan Carlos Orellana, explained the cause of the quakes:
"The earthquakes were caused by the subduction of the Cocos Plate beneath the Caribbean Plate. This is a common occurrence in the region, but the proximity and intensity of these quakes are unusual."
President Cortizo addressed the nation following the incidents, emphasizing the severity of the situation:
"We are facing a major disaster. Our thoughts are with the people affected by these earthquakes, and we are doing everything possible to provide assistance and support to those in need."
The tremors have left many residents in the southern regions of the country, particularly in the provinces of Chiriqui and Bocas del Toro, homeless and without electricity, water, and communication services.
The Panamanian government has activated a disaster response plan and is collaborating with the Red Cross and other aid organizations to provide relief to the affected areas.
Authorities have warned that the situation is likely to worsen as aftershocks continue to shake the region. The country's National Emergency Commission (CNE) is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities to ensure the safety of citizens and assess the extent of the damage.
Panama is situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for its high seismic activity due to the movement of tectonic plates. While the country has experienced earthquakes before, the proximity and intensity of these tremors are causing concern for residents and authorities alike.
The government has urged citizens to remain calm and follow the recommendations of local authorities for their safety.
This ongoing situation will be updated as more information becomes available.
<small>Source: Al Jazeera — read the original story there.</small>