Panama’s government declared a state of emergency on Saturday after two powerful earthquakes struck the country on Friday, registering magnitudes of 7.7 and 6.6. The tremors were followed by more than 100 aftershocks, some reaching magnitude 5.8, which rattled communities for hours.
The initial quakes toppled buildings and forced evacuations across the nation. Authorities reported damage in all ten of Panama’s provinces as well as in two Indigenous territories, though they did not attribute any fatalities to the seismic events.
In response, the government activated emergency protocols, mobilising civil defence and rescue teams to assess structural damage, provide temporary shelter, and ensure the safety of affected residents. The declaration also enables the allocation of additional resources for relief and reconstruction efforts.
While the earthquakes caused widespread physical damage, officials confirmed that no deaths had been recorded as of the latest reports. Ongoing aftershocks continue to pose a risk of further structural failures, prompting authorities to advise residents to remain vigilant.
Panama, a Central American nation that sits on the Caribbean and Pacific tectonic plates, is prone to seismic activity. The recent quakes underscore the country’s vulnerability to strong earthquakes and the importance of rapid emergency response measures.
<small>Source: The Guardian — read the original story there.</small>
