Earthquakes Today Prompt Panama Emergency Declaration After Magnitude-7.5 Quake Damages Multiple Provinces
Panama declared a state of emergency on Saturday following powerful earthquakes today that included a magnitude-7.5 quake striking the country on Friday and damaging homes, schools, health facilities, roads and public buildings. [3]
Panama Declares State of Emergency
Panama declared a state of emergency on Saturday to coordinate relief efforts and assist communities affected by a powerful earthquake that struck the country Friday. [3] Presidency Minister Juan Carlos Orillac told a press conference at the presidential palace that the declaration would ensure government agencies remain on standby and have the resources needed to assist those affected. [3] Orillac said President Jose Raul Mulino had ordered the creation of a commission to coordinate relief operations, manage resources and address the needs of affected communities. [3] The government has also set up donation collection centers, including one at Omar Park in Panama City, while provincial government offices will serve as additional collection points. [3]
Earthquake Impact and Damage Assessment
{IMAGE_2} The magnitude-7.5 earthquake struck Panama at 12:56 p.m. local time Friday, with its epicenter about 39 km northwest of Tonosi in Los Santos province. [3] The quake damaged homes, schools, health facilities, roads and public buildings across several parts of the country. [3] Panamanian authorities continue to assess the damage and coordinate emergency response efforts. [3]
Main Shock Details
The magnitude-7.5 earthquake struck at 12:56 p.m. local time Friday with its epicenter about 39 km northwest of Tonosi in Los Santos province. [3] The government has created a commission to coordinate relief operations, manage resources and address the needs of affected communities. [3] Donation collection centers have been established, including one at Omar Park in Panama City, with provincial government offices serving as additional points. [3]
Additional Seismic Activity From Earthquakes Today
A magnitude-5.0 earthquake struck 3 km NW of Flores, Panama at a depth of 10.0 km. [2] A magnitude-4.6 earthquake struck 18 km WNW of Río Grande, Panama at a depth of 10.0 km. [4] Other recorded quakes include a M4.6 event 109 km SSE of Pondaguitan, Philippines at a depth of 121.3 km [1] and a M3.1 event 43 km NNW of Petersville, Alaska at a depth of 113.1 km. [5]
Emergency Medical Response
Patients receive treatment at a temporary shelter after being evacuated from a damaged hospital in Penonome, Panama. [3] A child receives treatment at a temporary shelter after being evacuated from a damaged hospital in Penonome, Panama. [3]
Ongoing Relief Coordination
Panamanian authorities continue to assess the damage and coordinate emergency response efforts. [3] The government has created a commission to coordinate relief operations, manage resources and address the needs of affected communities. [3]
What to watch next: Panamanian authorities continue to assess the damage and coordinate emergency response efforts while donation collection centers remain active at Omar Park in Panama City and provincial government offices.
