Panama declares state of emergency after devastating earthquake

Panama City (ANTARA) – Panama declared a state of emergency on Saturday (10 October) to coordinate relief efforts and assist communities affected by a devastating earthquake that shook the country on Friday (9 October).

Presidential Affairs Minister Juan Carlos Orillac said at a press conference at the presidential palace that the declaration would ensure government agencies remained on alert and had the resources needed to help affected communities.

Orillac said President Jose Raul Mulino had ordered the formation of a commission to coordinate relief operations, organise resources and address the needs of affected communities.

The government has also set up donation collection centres, including one at Omar Park in Panama City, while provincial government offices will serve as additional collection points, Orillac said.

The magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck Panama on Friday at 12.56pm local time, with its epicentre about 39 kilometres north-west of Tonosi in Los Santos Province.

The earthquake damaged homes, schools, health facilities, roads and public buildings in various parts of the country.

Panamanian authorities are continuing to assess the damage and coordinate the emergency response.