Panama residents remain outdoors as earthquake aftershocks continue

People in earthquake-hit communities in Panama remained outside on Saturday after Friday’s powerful tremors damaged homes and public buildings. Associated Press reporters described residents in La Villa de Los Santos sheltering in the streets and waiting for instructions after parts of their homes collapsed.

The two main earthquakes measured 7.7 and 6.6, with numerous aftershocks recorded by local seismologists. Damage was reported in central provinces, including Herrera, Los Santos and Veraguas. Authorities reported injuries; the AP’s Saturday account said no deaths had been attributed to the earthquakes at the time of reporting.

Buildings in Penonomé were among those damaged, and the historic Church of San Atanasio in La Villa de Los Santos collapsed. The impact varied considerably between communities, so the absence of a reported death toll does not imply an absence of serious losses.

Tocumen International Airport reopened after a temporary suspension on Friday. The Panama Canal Authority said canal operations continued normally while technical teams checked facilities. Further assessments and continuing aftershocks mean the picture remains provisional.