Powerful Earthquake Shakes Panama, Causing Damage and Service Disruptions
Qwenews.com – A powerful earthquake shakes Panama after a preliminary 7.7-magnitude tremor struck the country’s south on Friday. The quake damaged buildings, disrupted public services and led to evacuations in communities across the country.
Officials reported several minor injuries but said there were no confirmed deaths or missing people in the initial aftermath. Panama’s civil protection system identified damage to homes, roads, hotels, businesses, churches and government facilities in affected areas.
Damage Reported in Communities Near the Epicenter
Penonome, about 70 miles from the epicenter, showed visible evidence of the earthquake’s force. Images from the city showed damaged structures, including a church with a partially collapsed steeple and another building with a crumbled facade.
In the coastal resort town of Playa Venao, a multi-story building collapsed onto several parked vehicles. The extent of any damage within the building was not immediately clear.
The US Geological Survey warned that casualties were possible and that widespread damage could result from the initial quake. More than 40 aftershocks were later recorded, including one with a preliminary magnitude of 6.6.
Residents Evacuate Buildings in Panama City
The powerful earthquake shakes Panama City as well, sending residents from offices, homes and other buildings into the streets. Groups gathered outside across the capital after the shaking began to ease.
“I am on the ninth floor here and yes it was felt strongly, it was felt strongly,” Panama City resident Kevin Cortez told Reuters.
Another resident described furniture and fixtures moving inside the building as people weighed whether to leave immediately.
“Everything was moving: the lamp, the chair, the table,” another resident said. “I decided to stay and wait because I knew running down the stairs was a problem. So I stayed waiting for it to pass. I had no other option. Yes, we felt it was quite prolonged. People running, shouting; not everyone takes it the same way, but well, here we are, downstairs.”
The scenes reflected the uncertainty that can follow strong shaking in multi-story buildings, where residents may face crowded exits and concerns about additional tremors.
Canal, Metro and Airport Operations Affected
At the Panama Canal, the suspension cables of the Centennial Bridge were seen moving while vehicles continued to cross. Canal authorities said operations continued normally as staff inspected facilities for possible earthquake damage.
The canal is central to Panama’s economy and global shipping routes, making inspections of bridges, transport links and canal-related infrastructure an early priority. Damage after a major earthquake may not always be immediately visible.
Panama City’s public transit system suspended service on two Metro lines and evacuated passengers from some stations. Authorities had not said when full service would resume.
Panama’s main international airport also closed temporarily as a precaution. Flights were diverted to other airports before operations resumed later in the day, according to the civil aviation authority.
Schools and Water Services Disrupted
The Education Ministry canceled classes throughout Panama for the remainder of the day. The move gave officials and school communities time to assess buildings while reducing travel during the emergency response.
Power outages affected several water treatment plants, interrupting water and sewage services. The water and sewage institute said the disruptions were linked to electricity losses caused by the earthquake.
Interruptions to power, transportation and water services can deepen the impact on communities after a major quake, particularly where residents have been displaced or buildings require inspection.
President Mobilizes Resources for Affected Areas
President José Raúl Mulino urged the public to remain calm and directed the minister of government to provide updates on the situation. He also mobilized resources for communities affected by the quake.
Mulino traveled to an affected hospital in Penonome, where several patients were evacuated and treated outdoors. The response illustrated the pressure placed on health facilities as authorities assessed damage and continued emergency operations.
Panama Earthquake FAQ
Where was damage reported after the earthquake?
Damage was reported in several areas, including Penonome and Playa Venao. Civil protection authorities also cited impacts to homes, roads, hotels, businesses, churches and government buildings.
Did the Panama Canal remain open?
Canal authorities said operations continued normally while staff checked facilities for potential earthquake damage. Vehicles also continued crossing the Centennial Bridge.
What services were disrupted?
Two Panama City Metro lines were suspended, schools were closed for the rest of the day, the main international airport temporarily shut down, and outages disrupted water and sewage services at several treatment plants.
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