Panama President Declares Major Disaster Following Significant Earthquake

Panama's president declared a state of major disaster in response to the earthquake that struck the region, prompting urgent evacuations across the capital. The seismic activity was felt across Panama City and surrounding areas, sending residents and workers fleeing from buildings as a precautionary measure.

In Panama City, scenes of panic unfolded as people rushed to evacuate from the city's prominent skyscrapers, located roughly 200 kilometers from the earthquake's epicenter. The evacuation efforts reflected widespread concern among residents about the structural integrity of buildings and potential aftershocks.

The declaration of a major disaster typically triggers emergency protocols and mobilizes government resources for damage assessment and relief operations. Authorities were conducting surveys to evaluate the extent of damage to infrastructure and determine whether casualties or significant property damage had occurred.

The earthquake serves as a reminder of the seismic risks facing Central America, which lies along active tectonic zones. Officials indicated they would continue monitoring seismic activity and provide updates on the situation as information became available.