Panamanian authorities launched a nationwide earthquake damage assessment and cleanup operation Sunday, two days after a 7.5 magnitude tremor struck multiple provinces. No fatalities have been reported, but more than 1,200 incidents have been evaluated across hospitals, government buildings, and residential areas.
The Ministry of the Presidency confirmed that President José Raúl Mulino toured affected communities in Herrera province, speaking directly with displaced families. Panama Metro lines 1 and 2 are operating normally, while line 3 and the canal tunnel project remain undamaged and under construction.
Earthquake Damage Assessment Reveals Infrastructure Strain
The Ministry of Public Works identified significant road fractures, hillside collapses, and bridge displacements near the epicenter. In Torio, Veraguas province, emergency vehicles gained passage despite severe cracks in the roadway. The Mariato-Quebro-Arena Flores highway showed horizontal bridge shifts requiring support restoration techniques.
Engineers documented a roadbed sinkhole in Úcaro, close to the epicenter, with acceleration levels reaching 0.5G. Full rehabilitation of that corridor will be necessary. Bridges spanning the Tonosí and Oria rivers remain closed to heavy vehicles due to structural displacement.
Sinaproc deputy director Malixy Rivera reported that 63,000 pounds of air cargo and more than 250 tons of humanitarian aid have reached Veraguas, Los Santos, Coclé, and Herrera provinces. Heavy rains, swollen rivers, and landslides continue to hamper access to isolated communities.
Hospital Reopenings and Patient Transfers Underway
Health Minister Fernando Boy Galindo confirmed that three regional hospitals are being cleaned and reactivated after inspections. The Aquilino Tejeira hospital in Penonomé, Cecilio Castillero in Chitré, and Joaquín Pablo Franco Sayas in Las Tablas will resume medical services shortly.
At Santo Tomás Hospital in Panama City, all 405 dialysis patients have been relocated and will receive treatment between Monday and Tuesday. An older building sustained damage and will be taken out of service permanently, but officials assured continuity of care.
The Dr. Luis “Chicho” Fabrega hospital in Veraguas has already resumed surgeries. Social Security Fund director Dino Mon Vásquez said inspections of 80 health facilities revealed minimal damage. He urged residents to prioritize urgent cases such as dialysis, childbirth, and life-threatening emergencies.
“If an area has been reviewed and declared safe, patients will be better protected inside than outside exposed to other risks” [Translated from Spanish]
Aid Collection Extended as Communities Assess Losses
Parque Omar in Panama City will continue accepting donations for two additional days to support affected families. Most debris is concentrated in Los Santos province, where several churches suffered partial collapses.
Minister of the Presidency Juan Carlos Orillac emphasized that the government’s immediate focus remains on restoring essential services and clearing blocked roadways. Assessment teams continue documenting structural damage to determine long-term reconstruction needs.