Panama survives more than 200 aftershocks after magnitude 7.7 quake

In Panama recorded more than 200 aftershocks after the earthquake of magnitude 7.7, which occurred on Friday, October 9, and damaged hundreds of homes and infrastructure in the central provinces of the country, prompting the government to declare over the weekend a state of emergency in the country.

There have been no reported deaths, however, according to emergency agencies, at least 27 people were injured. In addition, nearly 900 homes were damaged, but this figure may increase as experts continue to assess the situation in remote settlements.

“The introduction of a state of emergency will allow the government to allocate up to $100 million in aid, not exceeding the target of the budget deficit for 2026 of 3.5% of GDP,” the ministry said.

The U.S. has pledged $5 million in aid and is sending a team of 20 people to help with search and rescue operations and infrastructure assessments.

“We have already recorded more than 200 tremors, and they are continuing, but their magnitude is decreasing and the intervals between them are increasing,” said Nestor Luc, director of the Institute of Earth Sciences at the University of Panama.

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino visited the affected areas to deliver aid and called for urgent repairs to roads and bridges to facilitate relief work. At least 14 bridges were damaged in the provinces of Veraguas and Los Santos.