Two Major Earthquakes Hit Panama, Injuries Reported, Historic Church Collapses

Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.7 and 6.6 magnitude struck Panama on Friday, triggering evacuations, damaging buildings and roads, and prompting emergency response operations across the Central American country. The first earthquake was centred about 10 km southwest of Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera province, at a depth of 10 km, according to the US Geological Survey. More than 80 aftershocks, including one exceeding magnitude 6, were subsequently recorded by local seismologists.

The tremors caused damage in the central provinces of Herrera, Cocle, Veraguas and Los Santos. Buildings partially collapsed, roads developed deep fissures and the historic Church of San Atanasio in Los Santos was reported to have collapsed. A church, a hotel and public buildings in Penonome also suffered damage. Several injuries were reported, including people struck by debris and individuals trapped in damaged structures. Authorities had reported no fatalities as of Friday evening, although assessments were continuing.

President Jose Raul Mulino called for calm and mobilised government departments to coordinate the response. He travelled to Penonome to oversee the situation, while emergency personnel assessed damaged structures and worked to reach affected communities. Health Minister Fernando Boyd said Tonosi, in Los Santos province, had been cut off, prompting authorities to explore access by air after roads became impassable.

The government also suspended classes in schools nationwide as a precaution. Thousands of residents and office workers evacuated buildings, including high-rises in Panama City, where the shaking was strongly felt. Tocumen International Airport temporarily suspended operations for safety inspections before reopening. The Panama Canal Authority said shipping operations continued normally while technical teams inspected facilities.

Tsunami warnings issued for parts of the eastern Pacific were later lifted. The United States offered assistance, while Colombia and other regional governments expressed solidarity and readiness to help. Panama lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active zone shaped by the interaction of tectonic plates. Damage assessments and emergency operations were continuing.