Panama earthquake damage assessments continued Saturday as authorities confirmed 27 people suffered injuries and more than 426 homes sustained structural damage following the 7.5 magnitude tremor that struck Friday afternoon. Officials from the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) and the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) said no fatalities have been reported.
Subdirector Malitzie Rivera of Sinaproc detailed the scope of the emergency response during a press conference at the Presidential Palace. She said 21 health facilities required structural evaluation by engineers and architects specializing in building integrity.
“To date and as of today, no fatal victims have been reported from this earthquake. There are around 27 injured people, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate, who were immediately transferred to medical centers. Twenty-one health facilities have been affected and are already being attended by engineers and architects specializing in structures to provide a timely response to the communities” [Translated from Spanish]
Panama Earthquake Damage Assessment and Road Access
Minister of Public Works José Luis Andrade reported that nine bridges in the affected sectors have been compromised. He issued direct orders to reopen access routes connecting the communities of Torio, Quebro, and Arenas, as well as a pathway to Tonosí for light vehicles.
“I have given precise instructions to enable the roads to travel from Torio, Quebro, and Arenas, and also to reach Tonosí, at least so light vehicles can pass and these communities remain connected. We have also been investigating and inspecting the bridges. There are nine compromised bridges in those sectors” [Translated from Spanish]
Andrade confirmed that work on the bridge over Torio is expected to begin shortly. He cautioned that damage identification remains incomplete due to widespread landslides, with crews actively working to clear debris from affected roadways.
Panama Earthquake Prompts False Bridge Collapse Rumors
The minister directly addressed viral videos circulating on social media that appeared to show the Centennial Bridge swaying dangerously. He stated that the footage did not depict a bridge in the Republic of Panama and urged citizens to avoid spreading misinformation.
“I believe part of what happened, and the comments on social networks, is because a series of false videos emerged and frightened people. For example, a video appeared showing a bridge like the Centennial moving from side to side. That bridge is not in the Republic of Panama. One must be very attentive and not be deceived by social networks, which only help create chaos instead of helping solve problems. In the investigations the Ministry of Public Works has conducted on the two bridges, we have not found any reason for these bridges to be closed” [Translated from Spanish]
Both the Bridge of the Americas and the Centennial Bridge remain operational and safe for traffic, according to MOP assessments. The ministry has deployed teams to continue evaluating infrastructure across the affected region.
Emergency Response and Community Impact
Rivera emphasized that the 426 evaluated residences showed damage ranging from minor issues to total structural loss. Medical personnel have treated all 27 injured individuals, with none requiring extended hospitalization for severe trauma.
The earthquake triggered panic and evacuations across Panama’s interior provinces, with residents reporting collapsed walls, cracked foundations, and disrupted utilities. Emergency crews continue working to restore access to isolated communities as aftershocks remain a concern for residents and responders alike.