Panama Earthquake Injures 27, Damages Roads and Cuts Off Town

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At least 27 people were reportedly injured after a powerful earthquake struck Panama, damaging buildings and roads, disrupting transport services and leaving one town inaccessible by land, according to reports from the affected country.

The earthquake, initially estimated at magnitude 8.0 before being revised to 7.7 by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), triggered evacuations across several areas. Authorities began assessing the damage and coordinating emergency operations as residents dealt with the effects of the tremor and subsequent aftershocks.

Key Takeaways

At least 27 people were reported injured, while officials said no fatalities had been reported at the time of the original account.
The earthquake affected several provinces, including Herrera, Coclé and Los Santos.
Road damage left the town of Tonosí inaccessible by land, prompting officials to consider air access.
More than 80 aftershocks were reported, including one with a magnitude above 6.0.
Panama’s international airport was temporarily closed, while the Panama Canal Authority said shipping operations continued normally.
Authorities assessed the damage and coordinated efforts to reach affected communities.

Damaged Roads Leave Town Cut Off as Authorities Coordinate Response

The impact was particularly serious in areas where damaged roads complicated access for emergency teams. Health Minister Fernando Boyd said Tonosí, in Los Santos province, had been completely cut off because of road damage.

“We are trying to figure out how to get there by air, because it’s impossible by land,” Boyd said.

The situation highlighted the difficulty of reaching affected communities while roads and other infrastructure were being assessed. Authorities identified Herrera, Coclé and Los Santos as the provinces most affected by the earthquake.

Panama’s President, José Raúl Mulino, travelled to Penonomé to coordinate the emergency response and assess the damage. He described the incident as a major disaster, saying some roads had completely collapsed.

“We are facing a major disaster,” Mulino said.

Local media reports also showed extensive damage to a church and a hotel in Penonomé. Former President Ricardo Martinelli shared photographs on Instagram showing his house in the town of Soná, in Veraguas province, after it collapsed.

Residents Describe Frightening Scenes During the Earthquake

The tremor caused alarm in Panama City, the capital, which is about 200 kilometres from the reported epicentre. Residents rushed out of high-rise buildings as structures shook.

Salomon Andion, 46, told journalists that he had to evacuate his 15-storey building for a second time after aftershocks were recorded.

“I was scared because the shaking was very strong and prolonged,” he said.

Andion added that heavy household items, including dressers, beds and kitchen objects, shook during the earthquake. Videos shared on social media reportedly showed water spilling from a rooftop swimming pool on a building more than 20 storeys high.

Another video showed a bridge over the Panama Canal shaking while vehicles continued to cross it.

In Penonomé, in central Coclé province, residents also described distressing experiences. Juana Alveo, a 38-year-old shop cashier, said the earthquake trapped her daughter at school.

“It was horrible, like nothing we ever experienced. My daughter was trapped in school,” she told AFP.

Benjamin Gonzalez, 52, said he returned to his home near La Miel after the earthquake and found several houses badly damaged. Residents gathered in the town square after electricity was cut off, he said.

His neighbour, David Castillo, said people were afraid to return to their homes because they feared another earthquake could occur.

USGS Reports Magnitude 7.7 Earthquake Near Pitaloza Arriba

According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake struck at 12:56 p.m. local time, with its epicentre about 10 kilometres from Pitaloza Arriba, a small town in Herrera province.

The USGS initially estimated the earthquake at magnitude 8.0 before revising it to 7.7.

Panama’s National Civil Protection System reported that the tremor was felt across the country, which has a population of approximately 4.5 million people.

Rene Garcia, the head of emergency operations, told AFP that authorities had not received reports of fatalities at the time of the original report.

The earthquake was followed by more than 80 aftershocks, including one measuring above magnitude 6.0, according to Panama’s geosciences institute. Authorities also issued a tsunami warning for the eastern Pacific Ocean before later lifting it.

Airport Closure Disrupts Flights as Panama Canal Operations Continue

The earthquake also affected transport services. Panama City’s international airport, an important regional aviation hub, was temporarily closed after the tremor.

The Civil Aeronautics Authority said several flights were diverted to other airports as a precaution while officials assessed the situation.

However, the Panama Canal Authority confirmed that shipping operations through the canal were not affected and continued as normal.

The canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and serves as a major international shipping route. Its continued operation was an important distinction from the disruption reported at the airport and on damaged roads.

Authorities were still assessing the extent of the damage as emergency teams worked to reach affected communities.

Panama Receives Offers of Assistance as Emergency Assessment Continues

The United States said it was monitoring developments and preparing to assist Panama following the earthquake.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a post on X that he was “closely monitoring” the situation. He added that his office was rapidly mobilising resources and personnel at the request of the Panamanian government.

The leaders of Colombia, Ecuador and Guatemala also expressed solidarity with Panama and offered assistance.

President Mulino urged citizens to remain calm while emergency teams assessed the damage and worked to reach affected areas. He also warned against using the disaster to create panic and disorder, saying he had requested a report on the extent of the damage.

What Happens Next?

The immediate priorities are assessing structural damage, restoring access to isolated communities and determining the extent of the disruption caused by the earthquake and its aftershocks.

The condition of damaged roads will be especially important for emergency teams attempting to reach Tonosí. Authorities will also need to establish the full extent of damage to homes, public buildings and other infrastructure.

Further official updates should clarify the number of people injured, whether additional casualties are reported, and when affected transport services can return to normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How strong was the earthquake in Panama?

The USGS initially estimated the earthquake at magnitude 8.0 before revising it to magnitude 7.7.

How many people were injured?

The original report said at least 27 people were injured. That figure should be checked against the latest official updates.

Which areas were most affected?

Herrera, Coclé and Los Santos were identified as the provinces most affected by the earthquake.

Why was Tonosí cut off?

Health Minister Fernando Boyd said road damage made it impossible to reach Tonosí by land, prompting officials to explore access by air.

Was there a tsunami warning?

Yes. Authorities issued a tsunami warning for the eastern Pacific Ocean and later lifted it.

Did the earthquake stop operations at the Panama Canal?

The Panama Canal Authority said shipping operations continued normally, although the international airport was temporarily closed and some flights were diverted.

Conclusion

The earthquake caused injuries, damaged buildings and roads, and disrupted transport in several parts of Panama. While authorities reported that canal shipping continued normally, damaged roads and the isolation of Tonosí presented immediate challenges for emergency teams.

The situation remained dependent on official damage assessments and efforts to reach affected communities. Updated information from Panama’s emergency authorities and relevant monitoring agencies will be important in establishing the full impact of the disaster.

What do you think should be the immediate priority after a major earthquake: restoring access to isolated communities, assessing damaged buildings or reopening disrupted transport services?