Magnitude 6.1 earthquake strikes Panama days after 7.7 quake

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck Panama on Monday evening local time, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). The tremor occurred at 4:50:37 am Indian Standard Time on Tuesday, October 13, at a depth of 10 km. The epicentre was located at latitude 7.683 degrees north and longitude 81.405 degrees west.

This event follows a more powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake that hit Panama on Friday. According to the US Geological Survey, the initial quake had a preliminary magnitude of 7.7 and struck near the southern coast at a depth of 12.6 km. René García, director of the Emergency Operations Centre, told CNN that the Friday earthquake was followed by 147 aftershocks, some reaching magnitudes of 6.1 and 6.6. Other reports indicate the number of aftershocks has exceeded 300.

Damage and Emergency Response

The initial 7.7-magnitude earthquake caused structural damage to homes, schools, healthcare facilities, roads, hotels, government buildings, businesses, and churches. The most significant damage was reported in Coclé province, with additional damage recorded in Panama City. According to emergency authorities, at least 27 people were injured and nearly 900 homes were damaged, though the toll could rise as assessments continue in remote communities. The most affected provinces include Los Santos, Cocle, Veraguas, and Herrera.

Panama declared a state of emergency on Saturday to coordinate relief operations and support affected communities. Presidency Minister Juan Carlos Orillac stated during a press conference at the presidential palace that the declaration would ensure government agencies had the resources required to assist affected communities. President Jose Raul Mulino ordered the formation of a commission to coordinate relief operations and manage resources. He also visited an affected hospital in Penonomé, where patients were evacuated and treated outdoors.

Infrastructure and International Reaction

Panama’s public transit system suspended services on two metro lines following the initial quake. The country’s main international airport was temporarily closed as a precaution before operations resumed later in the day. The US Embassy in Panama warned of possible aftershocks and potential tsunami threats across nine countries in Central and South America. The US Tsunami Warning System subsequently stated there was no longer a tsunami threat.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed solidarity with Panama following the October 9 earthquake. In a post on X, he said, "India stands with the Government and people of Panama following the earthquake. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with all those injured and affected, especially the families who have suffered loss and hardship."

Why it matters

The recurrence of significant seismic activity in Panama highlights the ongoing instability in the region following the initial 7.7-magnitude event. The declaration of a state of emergency and the mobilization of resources underscore the severity of the infrastructure damage and the potential for further aftershocks to impact recovery efforts. The involvement of international bodies and foreign governments reflects the global attention on the humanitarian and logistical challenges facing Panama.

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Sources

• timesofindia.indiatimes.com: 6.1-magnitude earthquake strikes off Panama - The Times of India
• egyptian-gazette.com: Magnitude 6.0 earthquake strikes Panama - Egyptian Gazette
• wionews.com: Magnitude 6.1 earthquake strikes Panama days after powerful 7.7 quake
• devdiscourse.com: Magnitude 6 earthquake strikes Panama, EMSC says
• internazionale.it: Magnitude 6 earthquake strikes Panama, EMSC says - Internazionale

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.