Panama declares emergency after magnitude-7.5 earthquake
In short
Panama declared a state of emergency on October 10 to coordinate relief after a magnitude-7.5 earthquake the previous day, Chinese outlets reported. The quake damaged homes, schools, medical facilities, roads and public buildings.
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Panama's government declared a state of emergency on October 10 after a magnitude-7.5 earthquake damaged buildings and infrastructure in several areas, Xinhua reported. The declaration was announced as authorities continued assessing the damage and carrying out rescue work. The presidency minister told a news conference at the presidential palace that government departments and public institutions had been instructed to remain ready to act, mobilise the resources needed for the response and provide assistance to residents affected by the earthquake. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
The minister said President Mulino had ordered the creation of a special committee to coordinate disaster-relief operations and oversee aid resources. The government has established collection points for relief supplies in the capital, Panama City. Provincial governments will also receive supplies donated by the public. The emergency declaration and the committee are intended to coordinate the relief effort and assistance, according to the reports by Xinhua, Jiemian and Yicai. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
The earthquake occurred at 12:56 local time on October 9. Its epicentre was about 39 kilometres northwest of Tonosi in Los Santos province, the reports said. Damage was reported to homes, schools, medical facilities, roads and public buildings in multiple locations. Xinhua's photographs from October 10 showed patients receiving treatment at a temporary accommodation site in Penonome, Cocle province, after being evacuated from a hospital damaged by the earthquake. The government was continuing to assess the situation and undertake rescue operations as it announced the measures for coordinating relief and collecting donated supplies. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Why it matters
The declaration requires government departments and public institutions to stand ready to mobilise resources for affected residents. A special committee will coordinate relief operations and aid resources while damage assessments continue.
Key facts
- The earthquake struck on October 9 at 12:56 local time, with its epicentre about 39 kilometres northwest of Tonosi in Los Santos province. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Panama declared a state of emergency on October 10 to coordinate disaster relief and assistance. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The government set up relief-supply collection points in Panama City, and provincial governments will receive donated supplies. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]