A powerful earthquake in Panama caused damage to homes, schools, hospitals, roads, and public infrastructure, prompting the declaration of a state of emergency to organize relief and rescue operations. On Tuesday morning, the National Center for Seismology reported another earthquake of magnitude 6.1 in Panama. This follows 147 aftershocks since Friday’s 7.7 magnitude quake, some measuring as high as 6.1 and 6.6 in magnitude. The earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 39 kilometers northwest of Tonosi in Los Santos province.
The greatest damage occurred in the southern coastal Coclé province, with the city of Panama also sustaining damage. Preliminary reports indicate that a few people suffered minor injuries. President José Raúl Mulino has directed the formation of a commission to coordinate relief efforts, manage resources, and address the needs of affected communities. The government has established donation collection centers and arranged for patients to be evacuated from hospitals in the impacted areas for treatment.
Following the earthquake, services on two metro lines were suspended, and the country’s main international airport was temporarily closed as a precaution before reopening. The US Embassy issued warnings about possible aftershocks and tsunami risks across nine countries in Central and South America. Later, the US Tsunami Warning System confirmed that there is no danger.
