A powerful earthquake that struck Panama on October 9 damaged more than 400 buildings and injured at least 27 people, according to the latest preliminary assessment from emergency authorities.
No deaths or missing people had been reported by Saturday morning. The injuries were described as minor, while approximately 300 people were evacuated, including residents of Isla Cañas after an unusual rise in sea level.
The affected buildings include 142 homes and 188 schools. Authorities also documented damage to hospitals, churches, government offices, hotels, roads and bridges across Veraguas, Coclé, Los Santos, Herrera, Chiriquí and other provinces.
The US Geological Survey currently classifies the main earthquake as magnitude 7.7. It struck at 12:56 p.m. on Friday near Pitaloza Arriba in southern Panama, at a shallow depth of approximately 12.6 kilometres. Panamanian authorities have referred to the locally reviewed event as magnitude 7.5.
More than 100 aftershocks followed, including earthquakes measured by the USGS at magnitudes 6.6 and 6.0. Authorities urged residents to stay away from damaged structures because further aftershocks remain possible.
The most extensive institutional damage was reported in the education system. The 188 affected schools range from buildings with cracks and detached materials to facilities requiring more detailed structural evaluations.
Some communities in Veraguas were isolated by road collapses. Health facilities, bridges and public buildings sustained damage in several central provinces, while a fire station in Soná partially collapsed and trapped emergency vehicles inside.
Critical national infrastructure largely continued operating. The Panama Canal reported normal vessel transits after inspections, although minor damage was found at several administrative and water-system facilities. Tocumen International Airport resumed operations after its runways, terminals and control tower were checked.
Metro services in Panama City were suspended overnight for structural inspections. Passengers should verify the system’s current operating status before travelling.
The initial tsunami threat was lifted, and no active warning, advisory or watch remained in effect.
Sources: Sinaproc, La Prensa
