Earthquakes Strike Rural Panama Causing Widespread Destruction

Residents in rural Panama are bracing themselves for further aftershocks after two powerful earthquakes struck the country on Friday, causing widespread destruction and evacuation of communities across Central America.

The tremors, which measured 7.7 and 6.6 magnitude respectively, have left many residents unnerved and anxious about their safety. Seismologists at the University of Panama recorded dozens of aftershocks in the aftermath of the quakes, including several measuring over 5 on the Richter scale.

One of the earthquakes, which was felt as far away as neighboring Colombia, had its epicenter located approximately 10 kilometers southwest of Pitaloza Arriba, a remote community in the central province of Herrera. The quake's depth was also reported to be around 10 kilometers.

In La Villa de Los Santos, a colonial-era town northeast of the epicenter, homes and a historic Catholic church were among those that collapsed as a result of the earthquake, leaving residents without shelter or guidance on what to do next.

Residents who fled their homes due to the earthquake are now sleeping on the streets in makeshift tents, unsure when they can return to their partially damaged or collapsed houses.

The scenes of devastation are stark reminders of the region's recent history of powerful earthquakes, including a series of devastating quakes that struck Venezuela and Colombia earlier this year. In June, two massive earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 hit La Guaira state in Venezuela, resulting in over 6,500 deaths and leaving nearly 17,000 people without a home.

The relatively lower death toll in Panama may be attributed to the country's strict building codes, particularly those governing the construction of high-rise buildings in the capital city, according to Carlos Valdés, head of the Seismology Department at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. His assessment suggests that Panama's regulations could have played a crucial role in minimizing the damage and loss of life.

Damage from the earthquake was largely concentrated in the central provinces of Veraguas, Herrera, and Los Santos, with no reported damage in Panama City, according to Omar Smith of the National Civil Protection Service.

Damage from the earthquake has been extensive in several provinces, particularly Veraguas, Herrera, and Los Santos, where buildings have suffered significant damage.

The city of Penonomé, approximately 150 kilometers northwest of Panama City, has reported multiple injuries, including one person struck by debris from a partially collapsed structure. This incident highlights the severity of the situation in some areas. Additionally, several buildings in the city's main square have sustained damage.

In La Villa de Los Santos, the historic Church of San Atanasio has completely collapsed, having been declared a National Historic Heritage Site as far back as 1938. Large fissures have also appeared along roadways in Veraguas province, further complicating efforts to respond to the disaster.

Air travel is gradually resuming at Tocumen International Airport, which had suspended operations following the initial quake. Meanwhile, the Panama Canal Authority has confirmed that its operations are continuing as normal, with a focus on ensuring the safety of employees and crew members.

Panama's geographical location makes it prone to earthquakes due to the interaction of several tectonic plates, including the Cocos, Nazca, and Caribbean plates.

The country is situated along the "Ring of Fire," a vast arc of volcanoes and fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin where most global earthquakes occur. This region is characterized by significant seismic activity, making Panama vulnerable to earthquakes.

Normal operations have resumed at the Panama Canal Authority, with a focus on ensuring the safety of employees and crew members, while Panamanians continue to cope with the aftermath of the recent quakes.