Strong earthquakes trigger evacuations
A magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck Panama on Friday, October 9, damaging buildings and prompting evacuations. The Associated Press also reported a magnitude-6.6 tremor and subsequent aftershocks. Its account placed the initial epicentre near Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera province and said the shaking was felt in neighbouring Colombia.
People gathered outside buildings in Panama City as they waited for information on the damage, AP reported. The strongest shaking affected communities well beyond the capital.
Sources: Panama rocked by 2 powerful earthquakes and multiple aftershocks, prompting evacuations
Injury figures remain a developing assessment
AFP’s report, published by NDTV, said the National Civil Protection System recorded 27 people with minor injuries. Emergency operations chief Rene Garcia told the agency that no fatalities had been reported at that stage. This was an early assessment, rather than a final measure of the earthquake’s impact.
President Jose Raul Mulino travelled to Penonome to coordinate the response, AFP reported. Health Minister Fernando Boyd identified Herrera, Cocle and Los Santos as the most affected provinces. The report described damage to roads as well as buildings, with access difficulties complicating the assessment in some communities.
Sources: 27 Injured, Many Buildings Collapse After 7.7 Earthquake In Panama
Canal operations continue amid wider disruption
According to AFP, the Panama Canal Authority said shipping through the waterway was operating normally. Separately, Panama City’s international airport temporarily closed and several flights were diverted as a precaution. The report also said the education ministry suspended school classes nationwide.
A tsunami warning issued after the earthquake was subsequently lifted. AFP put the initial tremor at 12:56pm local time on Friday, citing the US Geological Survey. The immediate response therefore involved both checking earthquake damage and managing disruption to transport and public services.
Sources: 27 Injured, Many Buildings Collapse After 7.7 Earthquake In Panama
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