Unnerved Panamanians sleep in streets as aftershocks rattle quake-hit towns

Following two major earthquakes of 7.7 and 6.6 magnitude in central Panama, residents in rural provinces like Herrera and Los Santos remained in the streets due to dozens of powerful aftershocks. While no deaths have been reported, significant property damage occurred, including the collapse of the historic Church of San Atanasio and several homes. Authorities noted that damage was concentrated in rural regions, while Panama City and the Panama Canal reported no significant impact. Experts attribute the relatively low casualty count to Panama's strict building codes.

Following two major earthquakes of 7.7 and 6.6 magnitude in central Panama, residents in rural provinces like Herrera and Los Santos remained in the streets due to dozens of powerful aftershocks. While no deaths have been reported, significant property damage occurred, including the collapse of the historic Church of San Atanasio and several homes. Authorities noted that damage was concentrated in rural regions, while Panama City and the Panama Canal reported no significant impact. Experts attribute the relatively low casualty count to Panama's strict building codes.