Panama Declares Emergency After 7.7 Earthquake Triggers 200 Aftershocks

Panama has declared a national state of emergency after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck on Friday, causing widespread damage to homes, roads, and bridges across the country's central provinces. Authorities have recorded more than 200 aftershocks as emergency teams continue assessing the destruction.

The earthquake left at least 27 people injured and damaged nearly 900 homes, according to Panama's emergency management authorities. No fatalities have been reported, although officials warned that the number of affected properties could increase as rescue workers reach isolated communities.

The government announced the emergency declaration over the weekend to accelerate disaster relief operations and provide financial assistance to affected residents.

Panama's economy ministry said the measure would allow authorities to allocate up to $100 million in emergency funding while maintaining the country's 2026 fiscal deficit target of 3.5% of gross domestic product (GDP).

Nestor Luke, director of the University of Panama's Institute of Geosciences, confirmed that seismic activity remains ongoing following the major earthquake. However, he explained that the aftershocks have gradually weakened, with longer intervals between successive tremors.

The United States has also pledged $5 million in humanitarian assistance to support Panama's earthquake recovery efforts. US Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera announced that a 20-member American team would be deployed to assist with rescue operations and evaluate damaged infrastructure.

President Jose Raul Mulino visited earthquake-affected communities to distribute emergency supplies and assess recovery needs. He emphasized the importance of restoring damaged transportation networks to ensure humanitarian aid reaches residents quickly.

Authorities reported that at least 14 bridges sustained damage in Veraguas and Los Santos provinces, raising concerns about transportation access and the delivery of essential supplies.

As a precautionary measure, schools across Panama suspended classes nationwide on Monday while officials continued inspecting buildings and monitoring seismic activity.

Despite the widespread infrastructure damage, the Panama Canal confirmed that its shipping operations remained unaffected, providing reassurance to international maritime operators relying on the critical trade route.

Emergency responders continue evaluating structural damage, assisting displaced families, and monitoring aftershocks as Panama begins its recovery from one of the country's most significant recent earthquakes.