Panama residents sleep outdoors as aftershocks follow 7.5-magnitude quake
Residents across Panama spent Friday night outdoors as repeated aftershocks from a powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake left families fearful of returning to their damaged homes.
The earthquake caused extensive damage to houses, churches and historic buildings, particularly in Penonomé and La Villa de Los Santos, where collapsed walls and damaged structures raised concerns about safety.
“We have not slept. We spent the night sitting out there in the middle of the street,” a resident of Los Santos said, describing the aftershocks as frequent and sometimes intense.
The disaster also threatened cultural heritage sites, including a 103-year-old property in La Villa de Los Santos used for film and educational activities.
“Unfortunately, we now have irreparable, irrecoverable damage,” filmmaker Irina Ruiz said, warning that the area's architectural and cultural heritage was at risk.
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Local musician Eduardo Villareal described widespread destruction in his community but expressed relief that no fatalities had been reported.
“In my house many things collapsed, many friends, many neighbours. We have been through an experience that will never be forgotten,” he said.
Nearly 24 hours after the earthquake, authorities continued assessing damaged buildings. Panama's Civil Protection agency reported more than 100 aftershocks and at least 27 injuries, with no confirmed deaths.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
