Powerful earthquakes measuring 7.7 and 6.6 struck southern Panama, prompting residents to evacuate their homes as aftershocks continued to be felt. Initial reports indicated damage to buildings and roads in several areas, including the provinces of Veraguas, Herrera and Los Santos.
Reports also indicated that a tsunami warning had been issued following the earthquakes. However, official confirmation of the full extent of the damage, the affected areas and the tsunami threat remained subject to updates from the relevant agencies.
Omar Smith, an official associated with Panama’s National Civil Protection Service, told local media that the main incidents of damage had been reported in the provinces of Veraguas, Herrera and Los Santos. According to preliminary information, no major damage had been reported in the capital, Panama City.
Local media reports claimed that a historic religious site in Los Santos province had been damaged. According to the reports, part or all of the San Atanasio Church structure had collapsed. The church was declared a national historic heritage site in 1938.
Reports of damage to the church have not been independently confirmed in the available information. The extent of the structural damage would need to be established through further assessments.
In Veraguas province, reports indicated that long and deep cracks had appeared on roads. Damage to road infrastructure could affect local transportation and the movement of emergency services in the affected areas.
Authorities would need to inspect damaged locations and assess risks along affected routes as part of the response to the earthquakes.
The earthquakes prompted residents to leave their homes and buildings as b ground shaking was felt across affected areas. Continued aftershocks added to concerns among local communities, with people moving to open spaces and attempting to remain in safer locations.
The initial reports indicated damage to buildings, roads and other infrastructure in some parts of the country. The full extent of the impact remained unclear pending a comprehensive assessment of the affected areas.
Initial reports indicated that a tsunami warning had been issued following the earthquakes. The actual tsunami threat would depend on factors including the earthquakes’ locations, depths and the extent of any disturbance beneath the sea.
Residents in coastal areas were advised in the reports to follow instructions from local authorities and authorised disaster management agencies. Where official evacuation orders are issued, people should move to higher ground or designated safe locations. Approaching the shoreline to observe waves or take photographs could pose a danger.
