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Powerful 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Panama, Causes Widespread Damage
Two major quakes and over 80 aftershocks rocked central Panama on Friday, destroying buildings and roads but leaving the critical Panama Canal operational.
What happened
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck southern Panama near the remote community of Pitaloza Arriba on Friday afternoon, followed three hours later by a powerful 6.6 magnitude aftershock. The initial quake, centered about 10 kilometers southwest of Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera Province, was felt as far away as Panama City, 200 kilometers away, and across the border in Costa Rica. Over 80 aftershocks have been recorded, with several measuring magnitudes between 4.8 and 5.8.
The damage was concentrated in Panama's central provinces of Herrera, Cocle, Los Santos, and Veraguas. Buildings, roads, and bridges collapsed across the region. The cathedral in Penonome suffered partial collapse, as did the San Juan Bautista Cathedral and the colonial-era Church of San Atanasio in Los Santos province. A multi-story building in the resort town of Playa Venao collapsed entirely. Government buildings, hotels, and residential structures sustained significant structural damage.
As of Friday evening, Panamanian authorities reported several people with minor injuries but no confirmed fatalities. However, officials cautioned that the damage assessment was ongoing and casualties could still be identified. Power outages affected at least six provinces, and water treatment plants reported service interruptions. President José Raúl Mulino declared the situation a major disaster and mobilized personnel and resources to affected areas.
The Panama Canal, located about 126 kilometers from the epicenter, continued normal operations. Suspension cables on the Centennial Bridge over the canal were observed shaking violently but the structure remained intact. Tocumen International Airport temporarily suspended flights but resumed operations Friday evening. Tsunami warnings were issued for multiple countries including Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, and Peru, but were later lifted.
Panama's National Civil Protection System indicated it was not requesting international assistance as of Friday evening, though officials said they would reassess as damage assessment continued. The earthquake is the largest to strike Panama since the 1991 Limón earthquake.