Panama has declared a state of emergency as communities continue to be shaken by repeated aftershocks following two significant earthquakes. The government announcement came on Saturday, days after the initial seismic events toppled buildings and forced evacuations across the nation.
Authorities recorded more than 100 aftershocks, with magnitudes reaching up to 5.8, in the hours following the initial 7.7-magnitude quake and a subsequent 6.6-magnitude tremor on Friday. While officials have not reported any fatalities linked to the events, damage has been documented in all ten provinces and two Indigenous territories.
The persistent tremors have left residents in a state of uncertainty, with communities enduring hours of shaking that have disrupted daily life and prompted ongoing safety concerns.
Good to see the government moving fast with the state of emergency. Sending love to Panama during this crisis.
Is Panama typically this seismically active? Sounds like the infrastructure might need serious retrofitting after this.
Living through this in Chiriquí, the constant shaking is exhausting. Praying everyone stays safe out there.
100 aftershocks after a 7.7? That’s terrifying. Hope the emergency declaration brings real aid, not just paperwork.
Thank goodness no fatalities reported, but the damage across all provinces sounds truly devastating for these communities.