PRAYER NEED
Powerful 7.7 earthquake strikes Panama, damaging homes, churches and a hospital
What happened
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck central Panama on the afternoon of Friday, 9 October, the US Geological Survey said, followed by a magnitude 6.6 quake and more than 40 aftershocks. At least 27 people were injured, Panama’s National Civil Protection System said. Homes, roads, hotels, churches and government buildings were damaged, including the cathedral and a hospital in Penonomé, where patients were treated outdoors. A multi-storey building collapsed at Playa Venao and buildings partly collapsed in Panama City as residents fled into the streets. No deaths have been reported. On Saturday residents near the epicentre began clearing debris, and the Red Cross has opened an emergency response. A tsunami warning for the Pacific coast of Central and South America was later lifted.
Families across central Panama spent the night outside their homes as aftershocks continued, unsure whether the buildings around them were safe.
People affected
- People injured
- 27
Pray for
- Families whose homes and churches were damaged
- Patients and hospital staff in Penonomé
- Rescue and civil protection teams assessing the damage
- Calm and safety as aftershocks continue
Last updated
3 people have pledged to pray