PANAMA CITY — Southern Panama was gripped by panic and chaos after being struck by two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.7 and 6.6 in magnitude, accompanied by a relentless series of aftershocks. The seismic activity collapsed buildings near the epicenter, triggered widespread evacuations, and prompted emergency mobilization across the country.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the initial major tremor struck at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles). While the USGS initially placed the quake at magnitude 8, it was subsequently revised to 7.6 and finalized at 7.7. Visibly shaken residents in the capital, Panama City, rushed out of skyscrapers and homes into streets and open public squares as the tremors shook the ground violently.
"We felt it very strongly. Everyone is outside, scared," local residents recounted as crowds gathered to await updates.
Seismologists at the University of Panama recorded more than 45 aftershocks following the initial blows, including significant tremors registering magnitudes of 5.8, 5.5, and 5.2. While many of the subsequent shakes were too weak to be felt, they kept the populace on high alert.
In Penonomé, near the epicenter, footage and reports captured vehicles crushed beneath falling debris and structural cracks slicing through local homes and roadways. President José Raúl Mulino visited affected infrastructure, including a local hospital where patients were temporarily evacuated to receive care outdoors.
The national water and sewage institute reported service interruptions across multiple treatment plants due to localized power outages caused by the shaking. Meanwhile, civil protection teams launched immediate ground inspections to assess the full extent of structural damage in vulnerable regions.
Regional leaders quickly extended messages of solidarity and offers of assistance. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington was closely tracking the situation and mobilizing resources to support Panama's emergency response. Presidents and officials from Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Ecuador, and Venezuela also offered immediate backing as the nation works to secure affected communities.
Authorities continue to urge residents to remain calm, follow safety directives, and stay clear of compromised structures as rescue and recovery operations unfold.
