Story perspectives

Panama declares state of emergency after 7.7 quake

By Drooid · Oct 13, 2026, 2:08 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Mulino Declares Emergency

President Jose Raul Mulino declared a national state of emergency after the magnitude 7.7 earthquake damaged central provinces.
Mulino visited affected areas to deliver aid.
Emergency authorities reported no deaths, 27 injuries and nearly 900 homes damaged.
The government can allocate up to $100 million in relief funds without breaching the 2026 fiscal deficit target.
U.S. Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera announced a $5 million pledge and sent a 20-member team for rescue and assessments.

Summary

USGS Predicts Aftershocks

USGS forecasts a 96% chance of at least one magnitude-5 aftershock within a week of the quake.
USGS model shows a 33% probability of a magnitude-6 or larger aftershock this week.
Early USGS estimate puts total economic losses above $1 billion.
Scientists say the shallow 12.6 km depth and strike-slip fault caused unusually intense ground motion.
Panama’s strict building codes for high-rise structures likely helped keep the death toll low.

Summary

Helicopters Deliver Food

U.S. helicopters delivered 2,000 pounds (907 kg) of food to affected Panamanian communities.
Tocumen International Airport closed briefly, diverting flights before reopening hours later.
A water treatment plant ran at only 20% capacity after the quakes, limiting clean water supply.
Around 300 residents evacuated from Isla Caña due to rising sea levels and rough surf.
A shelter in Penonomé housed 13 people, including five children, after the tremors.

History

Historical Context

The 1985 Mexico City earthquake, striking on September 19 1985 with magnitude 8.0, devastated the capital and prompted nationwide reforms. President Miguel de la Madrid authorized $4 billion in emergency aid, while the U.S. Geological Survey recorded 1,200 aftershocks and the Red Cross mobilized 5,000 volunteers. Today's Panamanian quake mirrors that disaster, as President José Raúl Mulino declares emergency, U.S. Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera pledges $5 million, and USGS forecasts high aftershock probabilities. The 1985 reforms showed that stringent building codes and rapid aid can limit casualties, suggesting Panama’s strict codes and $100 million relief fund may curb loss of life.

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Mulino Declares Emergency

President Jose Raul Mulino declared a national state of emergency after the magnitude 7.7 earthquake damaged central provinces.
Mulino visited affected areas to deliver aid.
Emergency authorities reported no deaths, 27 injuries and nearly 900 homes damaged.
The government can allocate up to $100 million in relief funds without breaching the 2026 fiscal deficit target.
U.S. Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera announced a $5 million pledge and sent a 20-member team for rescue and assessments.

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