Panama grapples with 200+ aftershocks following powerful 7.7 earthquake

Panama's central provinces faced significant devastation following Friday's powerful earthquake, which registered 7.7 on the magnitude scale. The initial tremor was followed by more than 200 aftershocks, complicating rescue and recovery efforts across the affected regions.

Hundreds of homes suffered damage from the seismic activity, with critical infrastructure also affected. Roads, bridges, and utility systems sustained harm, hampering access to affected communities and complicating humanitarian response operations.

Facing the scale of destruction, Panama's government declared a national state of emergency, enabling mobilisation of resources and coordination of relief efforts. Emergency services deployed to assess damage, assist residents, and establish safe zones in areas experiencing repeated aftershocks.

Authorities urged residents in affected zones to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols as seismic activity continued. Structural engineers and emergency management officials worked to evaluate building integrity and prevent further casualties as rescue operations proceeded.