11.10.2026 09:52
A National Emergency was declared after the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that occurred in Panama. In the earthquake, in which at least 27 people were injured, 426 homes, 419 educational institutions, and many historic churches were damaged. Due to more than 100 aftershocks, some of the public spent the night on the streets, while the government announced that it would allocate up to 100 million dollars in resources to cover the damages.
After the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that occurred in Panama, the government declared a National State of Emergency across the country. At least 27 people were injured in the earthquake, while hundreds of homes, schools, and historic structures were damaged. Officials announced that up to $100 million in resources would be allocated to cover the damage caused by the earthquake.
426 HOMES AND 419 EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS WERE DAMAGED
In the Panamanian government's initial inspections, damage was identified in 426 homes and 419 schools and educational centers. It was reported that the homes where a total of 2,130 people live sustained damage at varying levels, from minor cracks to collapse.
Emergency aid was delivered to families whose homes became unusable, while work was initiated to repair damaged homes and build new houses.
Minister of Education Ventura Vega is expected to announce in which regions face-to-face education will continue and in which regions education will be suspended in the week starting October 12.
GOVERNMENT DECIDES TO ALLOCATE $100 MILLION IN RESOURCES
Secretary of the Council of Ministers Juan Carlos Orillac provided information on the earthquake's toll during a press conference held after the extraordinary Council of Ministers meeting.
Orillac, who announced that at least 27 people were injured, stated that up to $100 million in resources would be allocated to address the damage.
Minister of Economy and Finance Felipe Chapman also stated that the country has sufficient financial resources to cover the damage caused by the earthquake and meet emergency needs.
BELL TOWER OF HISTORIC CHURCH COLLAPSED ONTO ROAD
The earthquake also damaged Panama's historic structures. The upper floor of the bell tower of San Atanasio Church in Los Santos Province collapsed onto the road, and deep cracks formed in its walls. Entrances to the church were closed for safety reasons.
It was announced that at least 13 churches were damaged in five provinces.
At San Juan Bautista Cathedral in the city of Penonome, one of the two towers collapsed while priests and the regional bishop Edgardo Cedeño were in a meeting.
Historian Manuel Moreno Arosemena expressed his sorrow over the damage, stating that San Atanasio Church is a symbol of great spiritual and emotional value for the local people.
MORE THAN 100 AFTERSHOCKS OCCURRED
More than 100 aftershocks were recorded after the earthquake. Some of the public, fearing another earthquake, spent the night in parks and on the streets.
Authorities are continuing damage assessment efforts, especially in the provinces of Herrera, Los Santos, and Veraguas.
TSUNAMI WARNING ISSUED AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) announced that the magnitude of the earthquake that occurred on October 9 at 12:56 local time was 7.7. The tremor, which occurred at a depth of about 10 kilometers, was also felt in the capital, Panama City.
After the earthquake, a tsunami warning was issued for some areas along the Pacific coast. Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino called on the public to remain calm.