Weekly Report - 15 October 2026 (WR-26-41)

Panama suffered its biggest earthquake in decades on 9 October, affecting the central provinces of Herrera, Veraguas, Coclé, and Los Santos in particular. Remarkably no fatalities have yet been reported, in contrast to the massive loss of life which occurred following major earthquakes in Venezuela in June [WR-26-26] and in Colombia in August [WR-26-32]. However, damage from the quake in Panama, which was followed by over 200 aftershocks, was caused to homes, schools, health facilities, and critical water and transport infrastructure, all of which serves as a major test for the government led by President José Raúl Mulino, which has declared a national state of emergency in response.