Panama’s Cabinet has declared a national emergency and authorized up to $100 million in rapid procurement following a magnitude 7.5 earthquake, and will ask the Assembly to suspend fiscal deficit limits. Economy Minister Felipe Chapman says the economy will not stop and Panama has the resources needed.
The U.S. Southern Command is working with Panamanian agencies to evaluate the structural condition of the Aquilino Tejeira Hospital in Penonomé, Coclé. The assessment comes as authorities determine the facility’s future safety and functionality.
Copa Airlines is offering free date changes, travel credits, and refunds — including on non-refundable fares — to passengers affected by earthquake-related disruptions at Tocumen International Airport between October 9 and 14.
The magnitude 7.5 earthquake that struck Los Santos on October 9 damaged nine provinces and left 27 minor injuries, prompting experts to call for stronger construction oversight and a building code to complement Panama’s seismic design regulations.
Panama’s women’s national team friendly against New Zealand scheduled for October 10 at Estadio Rommel Fernández was canceled following a powerful earthquake and aftershocks. Fans await details on ticket refunds and the status of a second planned match.
The Panama Canal Authority reported only minor damage to four office buildings and a water plant’s steel tanks after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake, confirming vessel transits continue normally as inspections of locks and dams proceed.
A midday earthquake on October 9, 2026 shook Panama, prompting authorities to suspend classes and public services while inspection teams assess provinces and aftershocks continue.
A magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Panama on Friday, October 9, 2026, causing preliminary infrastructure damage and prompting the suspension of classes and public institution services nationwide.
President José Raúl Mulino has ordered the immediate mobilization of personnel and resources to help those affected by the earthquake that struck Panama on October 9, 2026. He also called on ministries and government institutions to respond to the emergency and strengthen prevention efforts.
Contributors to Panama’s Mixed Pension Subsystem told the National Assembly they could receive up to 50% less than expected, after relying on official information given two decades ago. The warning comes as Panama debates sweeping social security reform.
Panama reported an 18% increase in tourist arrivals as industry leaders propose a Country Brand law to protect the nation’s image and develop new destinations across the country.
The Japanese Embassy in Panama made its first visit to the Regional Humanitarian Assistance Logistics Center, exploring cooperation opportunities to strengthen disaster response across Latin America.
Panama’s Public Ministry is tracing funds allegedly received by former CSS director Enrique Lau Cortés from a Dominican Republic company between 2020 and 2023. The investigation seeks to establish the origin and justification of the money.
Panama’s Budget Commission approved shifting $6 million from school construction to maintain Senan helicopters under the U.S.-backed CARSI agreement, sparking debate over spending priorities and Meduca’s slow budget execution.
Panamanian prosecutors have charged former Social Security Fund director Enrique Lau Cortés with unjust enrichment and money laundering amid conflicting asset-growth estimates. The case now moves through the courts as prosecutors weigh evidence.
The World Bank projects Panama’s economy will grow above 4% annually through 2028, far outpacing the 2.2% regional average, citing sound macroeconomic policies and strength in trade, the Canal, and logistics.
A Panama-flagged vessel, On Peace, was hit by a projectile of unknown origin, leaving 12 crew members injured, according to the Panama Maritime Authority. The incident adds to concerns about the safety of Panama’s vast merchant fleet.
A judge legalized the arrest of Lau Cortés and called a recess in a guarantees hearing conducted without press access, after prosecutors say an audit traced $500,000 in unjustified assets. The case highlights tensions over transparency in Panama’s justice system.
The first-ever Luis Russell Jazz Festival will honor the Bocas del Toro-born jazz pioneer with concerts, workshops, and history events across Isla Colón and Isla Carenero on October 16-17. The community-driven event aims to put Panama’s Caribbean back at the heart of jazz history.
Panama’s transit authority (ATTT) is evaluating changes to traffic regulations that would require licenses for riders of electric scooters and electric motorcycles as micromobility grows.
