Major earthquake hits Panama, injures at least 27

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Panama on Friday afternoon, leaving at least 27 people injured, damaging infrastructure, and triggering widespread evacuations across the nation, according to official reports.

The shallow tremor occurred at 12:56 p.m. local time, centered about 10 kilometers from Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera province, the United States Geological Survey reported. While the agency initially assessed the magnitude at 8.0, it subsequently adjusted the figure to 7.7. An initial tsunami warning covering the eastern Pacific was later withdrawn.

Panama's National Civil Protection System confirmed that 27 individuals suffered minor injuries nationwide, and emergency operations chief Rene Garcia told AFP that no deaths had been confirmed. Tremors were felt throughout the country of roughly 4.5 million residents.

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino described the event as a major disaster, noting that several roadways had collapsed entirely. Mulino travelled to the city of Penonome in Cocle province to oversee emergency operations, while also posting on social media to urge citizens to stay calm and avoid spreading panic. The education ministry ordered schools closed across the country.

Health Minister Fernando Boyd identified Herrera, Cocle, and Los Santos as the hardest-hit provinces. In Los Santos, the community of Tonosi was left isolated due to impassable roadways, prompting authorities to explore air transport options to deliver relief. In Penonome, a church and a hotel sustained severe damage, while former president Ricardo Martinelli shared images showing his collapsed home in Sona, located in Veraguas province. The local geosciences institute registered more than 80 aftershocks, including one exceeding magnitude 6.0.

In Panama City, located approximately 200 kilometers from the epicenter, high-rise office towers and residential buildings were quickly emptied as residents rushed into the streets. The capital city's international airport temporarily halted operations and redirected incoming flights before normal activities resumed.

Operations along the Panama Canal continued without disruption, the Panama Canal Authority reported, stating that maritime traffic between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans remained on schedule despite tremors shaking nearby bridges.

International partners responded swiftly, with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirming that personnel and resources were being organized to assist Panamanian authorities. Leaders from neighboring Colombia, Ecuador, and Guatemala also expressed support and presented offers of emergency aid.