What happened
A series of powerful earthquakes hit Panama, causing widespread damage and fear among residents. Two earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.7 and 6.6 struck the country, toppling buildings and prompting evacuations. Dozens of aftershocks were recorded, including some with magnitudes of 5.8, 5.5, and 5.2.
The earthquakes were centered in the central province of Herrera, with the first quake felt as far away as neighboring Colombia. In the town of La Villa de Los Santos, homes and a historical Catholic church collapsed, leaving residents to spend the night on the streets.
Despite the significant damage, Panamanian authorities reported no deaths attributed to the earthquakes. However, several injuries were reported, including one person struck by debris from a partially collapsed structure. The country's strict building codes may have contributed to the lower toll compared to recent earthquakes in neighboring countries.
The earthquakes also caused damage to infrastructure, with large fissures running along roadways in some areas. The Tocumen International Airport in Panama City temporarily suspended operations but has since reopened. The Panama Canal Authority reported that operations were continuing normally, with a focus on the safety of employees, vessels, and crews.
