Panama records more than 200 aftershocks as quake damage assessments continue

Panama had recorded more than 200 aftershocks by October 11 following Friday’s magnitude-7.7 earthquake, Reuters reported, with at least 27 people injured and nearly 900 homes damaged.

No deaths had been reported, emergency authorities said. The damage figures could rise as teams reach remote communities and continue assessments.

Nestor Luke, director of the University of Panama’s Institute of Geosciences, told Reuters that the aftershocks were continuing, but were becoming weaker and further apart.

The government declared a national emergency over the weekend. The economy ministry said this would allow up to $100 million in relief spending without exceeding the 2026 fiscal deficit target of 3.5% of GDP.

US Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera said the United States had pledged $5 million and was sending a team of 20 to assist with rescue work and infrastructure assessments.

President Jose Raul Mulino visited affected areas and urged repairs to roads and bridges. At least 14 bridges were damaged in Veraguas and Los Santos. Classes were suspended nationwide for Monday, while the Panama Canal reported no disruption to shipping operations.